Pathogenicity of anti-ganglioside antibodies in the Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a postinfectious inflammatory polyradiculo-neuropathy characterized by flaccid paralysis. Antibodies directed against glycolipid structures (gangliosides), which are highly expressed in the peripheral nervous system, are frequently detected in sera from GBS patients. These antibodies interfere with nerve conduction and have been shown to activate phagocytes via IgG receptors (FcgammaR). These findings support an important role of glycolipid-specific antibodies in the pathogenesis of GBS.
van Sorge
N M
NM
Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands. N.vanSorge@azu.nl
van der Pol
W-L
WL
Jansen
M D
MD
van den Berg
L H
LH
D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D005732:Gangliosides / Q000276:immunology*; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000276:immunology
D000906:Antibodies; D005732:Gangliosides; D011961:Receptors, Fc