Rinsho Shinkeigaku (Clinical Neurology)

Special article by the winner of Japanese Society of Neurology

Pathogenesis of axonal Guillain-Barré syndrome

Nobuhiro Yuki, M.D., Ph.D.

Department of Neurology and Research Institute for Neuroimmunological Diseases, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine

We identified IgG antibody to GM1 ganglioside in patients with axonal Guillain-Barré syndrome subsequent to Campylobacter jejuni enteritis, and that there is molecular mimicry between GM1 and the bacterial lipo-oligosaccharide. On sensitization with GM1 as well as C. jejuni lipo-oligosaccharide, rabbits developed anti-GM1 IgG antibody and flaccid limb weakness. Paralyzed rabbits had pathological changes in their peripheral nerves identical to those present in axonal Guillain-Barré syndrome. These findings show that molecular mimicry is an important cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome. This new concept that carbohydrate mimicry can cause an autoimmune disease provides a clue to the resolution of the pathogenesis of other immune-mediated diseases.

(CLINICA NEUROL, 47: 1|7, 2007)
key words: anti-GM1 antibody, Campylobacter jejuni, Guillain-Barré syndrome, molecular mimicry

(Received: 11-May-06)