Cross-reactivity of anti-acetylcholine receptor autoantibodies.
The heterogeneity of the specificities of anti-acetylcholine receptor (anti-AChR) antibodies of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients has been demonstrated by comparing reactions against a panel of xenogeneic AChR. For each patient there was a more or less unique cross-reactivity profile. Such heterogeneity emphasizes the need to use human AChR for the routine detection of anti-AChR. In vitro cross-reactivity was important in predicting the effect of anti-AChR after passive transfer to rats. Specificity may influence the outcome in human neonates receiving maternal anti-AChR via the placenta. In contrast to the extreme heterogeneity seen in spontaneous MG, the antibodies associated with D-penicillamine-induced MG were more homogeneous.
D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000276:immunology*; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*
D001323:Autoantibodies; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic; D010396:Penicillamine