Therapeutic IgG- and IgM-specific proteases disarm the acetylcholine receptor autoantibodies that drive myasthenia gravis pathology.

ABSTRACT: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder caused mainly by autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), leading to muscle weakness. While treatments targeting AChR autoantibodies benefit many, some patients remain refractory, highlighting the need for personalized therapies. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of S-1117, a pan-IgG-specific protease, in AChR autoantibody-mediated pathology. Using live cell-based assays, we examined AChR-specific monoclonal IgG autoantibodies (mAbs) and patient-derived serum samples for their effects on receptor binding, blockade, internalization, and complement activation, before and after treatment with S-1117. S-1117 effectively removed the crystallizable fragment (Fc)γ from both mAbs and serum IgG, impairing Fcγ-mediated co

SUBMITTER: Bayer AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12582293 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature