Potassium channel complex autoimmunity induced by inhaled brain tissue aerosol

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Outbreaks of sensory-predominant polyradiculoneuropathy have been observed in swine abattoir employees.
• The hypothesis posits that inhalation of aerosolized brain tissue is the causative agent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the link between inhaled neural antigens and the development of neurological autoimmunity.
• To identify the specific autoantibodies and immunogens involved in these outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• Mice were intranasally exposed to liquefied brain tissue.
• Serum analysis was performed on exposed mice, affected patients, and control abattoir employees to detect neural autoantibodies.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electrophysiological studies were used to assess nerve root and peripheral nerve function.

Main Results:

• Patients, coworkers, and exposed mice showed autoantibodies targeting neural cation channel immunoglobulin Gs (IgGs).
• A significant finding was MRI evidence of swollen spinal nerve roots in both patients and mice.
• Autoantibody responses were dose-dependent and decreased after antigen exposure ceased, with a focus on voltage-gated potassium channels.

Conclusions:

• Inhaled neural antigens are capable of inducing neurological autoimmunity.
• Voltage-gated potassium channel complexes were identified as a primary immunogen in these cases of neurological autoimmunity.