Selective in vivo removal of pathogenic anti-MAG autoantibodies, an antigen-specific treatment option for anti-MAG neuropathy.

ABSTRACT: Anti-MAG (myelin-associated glycoprotein) neuropathy is a disabling autoimmune peripheral neuropathy caused by monoclonal IgM autoantibodies that recognize the carbohydrate epitope HNK-1 (human natural killer-1). This glycoepitope is highly expressed on adhesion molecules, such as MAG, present in myelinated nerve fibers. Because the pathogenicity and demyelinating properties of anti-MAG autoantibodies are well established, current treatments are aimed at reducing autoantibody levels. However, current therapies are primarily immunosuppressive and lack selectivity and efficacy. We therefore hypothesized that a significant improvement in the disease condition could be achieved by selectively neutralizing the pathogenic anti-MAG antibodies with carbohydrate-based ligands mimicking the natural

SUBMITTER: Herrendorff R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5422814 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature