Cross-reactive anti-galactocerebroside antibodies and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Anti-galactocerebroside (GalC) antibodies are reported to be present in GBS patients with preceding Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection. We investigated the presence of anti-GalC reactivity in serum of a large group of GBS patients using ELISA and compared this with healthy controls and individuals with an uncomplicated MP infection. Anti-GalC antibody reactivity was present in 12% of the GBS patients. Furthermore, anti-GalC antibodies were associated with MP infections, a relatively mild form of the disease and demyelinating features. Anti-GalC antibodies cross-reacted with MP antigen. In conclusion, anti-GalC antibodies in GBS patients may be induced by molecular mimicry with MP.
Ang
C W
CW
Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Centre, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Ang@bacl.azr.nl
Tio-Gillen
A P
AP
Groen
J
J
Herbrink
P
P
Jacobs
B C
BC
Van Koningsveld
R
R
Osterhaus
A D M E
AD
Van der Meché
F G A
FG
van Doorn
P A
PA
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D003429:Cross Reactions / Q000276:immunology; D005699:Galactosylceramides / Q000276:immunology*; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D018716:Molecular Mimicry / Q000276:immunology*; D009175:Mycoplasma Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D009177:Mycoplasma pneumoniae / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity
D001323:Autoantibodies; D005699:Galactosylceramides; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M