Normal human plasma contains antibodies that specifically block neuropathy-associated human anti-GM1 IgG-antibodies

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is used in the treatment of a variety of autoimmune diseases. The blocking of disease-associated antibodies by anti-idiotype antibodies present in IVIg has been proposed as an action mechanism. Anti-GM1 antibodies have been implicated in motor neuropathies. Although IVIg is frequently applied for these diseases, the presence in IVIg or in human plasma of anti-idiotype antibodies that recognize anti-GM1 antibodies has not been clearly demonstrated. Here we present evidence that normal human plasma contains antibodies that inhibit the binding of anti-GM1 IgG-antibodies from neuropathy patients but do not inhibit anti-GM1 IgG-antibodies of rabbit origin with the same fine specificity. The significance of these findings in the course of acute and chronic neuropathies is discussed.