Pathogenicity of anti-ganglioside antibodies in the Guillain-Barré syndrome

Abstract

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.