[Autoantibodies in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy]

Recent reserch has successfully identified several autoantibodies in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Most of those identified were IgG4 antibodies targeting cell adhesion molecules around the node of Ranvier of myelinated fibers. In particular, much has been learned concerning the pathogenic roles of antibodies against neurofascin 155. Growing evidence has revealed that patients with CIDP with these antibodies are characterized by IVIg-resistance and lack typical demyelinating findings on biopsied nerve fibers, both of which could make diagnosis and treatment difficult without autoantibody measurement. Clinicians should recognize that it is now essential to measure autoantibodies in CIDP and utilize antibody testing.