Antiganglioside antibodies in Guillain-Barré syndrome and its related conditions

Expert Rev Neurother. 2011 Sep;11(9):1305-13. doi: 10.1586/ern.11.114.

Abstract

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is typically classified into two major subtypes: acute inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy and acute motor axonal neuropathy. Its most recognizable variant is Fisher syndrome. The last two decades have seen considerable advances in our understanding of GBS. Of note, various autoantibodies against ganglioside antigens have been identified and found to have significant associations with the axonal forms of GBS and Fisher syndrome. In this article, we discuss the different clinical presentations in GBS and the role of antiganglioside antibodies in their underlying pathogenesis. We also discuss the impact that antiganglioside antibodies have had in the development of experimental models and treatment modalities in GBS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / physiology*
  • Gangliosides / immunology*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / immunology*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / physiology
  • Miller Fisher Syndrome / immunology*
  • Miller Fisher Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Miller Fisher Syndrome / therapy

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Gangliosides
  • Immunoglobulin G