Related Experiment Videos
Myelin- and microbe-specific antibodies in Guillain-Barré syndrome
J Terryberry1, M Sutjita, Y Shoenfeld
1Specialty Laboratories, Santa Monica, CA 90404-3900, USA.
Abstract:
We surveyed the frequency of reported infections and target autoantigens in 56 Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) patients by detecting antibodies to myelin and microbes. Sulfatide (43%), cardiolipin (48%), GD1a (15%), SGPG (11%), and GM3 (11%) antibodies were the most frequently detected heterogenous autoantibodies. A wide spectrum of antimicrobial IgG and IgM antibodies were also detected; mumps-specific IgG (66%), adenovirus-specific IgG (52%), varicella-zoster virus-specific IgG (46%), and S. pneumoniae serotype 7-specific IgG (45%) were the most prevalent. Our results indicate that polyclonal expansion of physiologic and pathologic antibodies and/or molecular mimicry likely occurs following infection and is related to other autoimmune factors in the etiology of GBS. Although no single definitive myelin-specific autoantibody was identified, our results suggest a unique pattern of reactivity against autoantigens.
Insights
In Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS), researchers found common antibodies to myelin and microbes. Infections may trigger these responses, suggesting molecular mimicry plays a role in GBS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Infectious Disease Immunology
Background:
- Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disorder affecting peripheral nerves.
- The precise triggers and autoantigens involved in GBS pathogenesis remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of autoantibodies targeting myelin and microbial antigens in GBS patients.
- To explore the potential role of infections and molecular mimicry in GBS etiology.
Main Methods:
- Serological analysis of 56 GBS patients to detect antibodies against various myelin and microbial targets.
- Quantification of IgG and IgM antibodies against specific microbes (mumps, adenovirus, varicella-zoster virus, Streptococcus pneumoniae).
Main Results:
- High prevalence of autoantibodies including cardiolipin (48%) and sulfatide (43%).
- Frequent detection of microbial antibodies: mumps-specific IgG (66%), adenovirus-specific IgG (52%), varicella-zoster virus-specific IgG (46%), and S. pneumoniae serotype 7-specific IgG (45%).
- A unique reactivity pattern against autoantigens was observed, though no single definitive myelin-specific autoantibody was identified.
Conclusions:
- Infections may lead to polyclonal antibody expansion and molecular mimicry, contributing to GBS development.
- The findings suggest a complex interplay between infections, autoantibodies, and other autoimmune factors in GBS.
- Further research into specific autoantigen reactivity patterns is warranted.