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Altan M, Li QZ, Wang Q, Vokes NI, Sheshadri A, Gao J, Zhu C, Tran HT, Gandhi S, Antonoff MB, Swisher S, Wang J, Byers LA, Abdel-Wahab N, Franco-Vega MC, Wang Y, Lee JJ, Zhang J, Heymach JV. Distinct patterns of auto-reactive antibodies associated with organ-specific immune-related adverse events. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1322818. [PMID: 38152395 PMCID: PMC10751952 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1322818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The roles of preexisting auto-reactive antibodies in immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy are not well defined. Here, we analyzed plasma samples longitudinally collected at predefined time points and at the time of irAEs from 58 patients with immunotherapy naïve metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated on clinical protocol with ipilimumab and nivolumab. We used a proteomic microarray system capable of assaying antibody reactivity for IgG and IgM fractions against 120 antigens for systemically evaluating the correlations between auto-reactive antibodies and certain organ-specific irAEs. We found that distinct patterns of auto-reactive antibodies at baseline were associated with the subsequent development of organ-specific irAEs. Notably, ACHRG IgM was associated with pneumonitis, anti-cytokeratin 19 IgM with dermatitis, and anti-thyroglobulin IgG with hepatitis. These antibodies merit further investigation as potential biomarkers for identifying high-risk populations for irAEs and/or monitoring irAEs during immunotherapy treatment. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03391869.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Altan
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Quan-Zhen Li
- Department of Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Natalie I. Vokes
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ajay Sheshadri
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jianjun Gao
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Chengsong Zhu
- Department of Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Hai T. Tran
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Saumil Gandhi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mara B. Antonoff
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Stephen Swisher
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lauren A. Byers
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Noha Abdel-Wahab
- Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Maria C. Franco-Vega
- Department of Hospital Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yinghong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - J. Jack Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John V. Heymach
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Hoffmann S, Waters P, Jacobson L, Schuelke M, Stenzel W, Ruck T, Lehnerer S, Stascheit F, Preuße C, Meisel A. Autoantibody detection by a live cell-based assay in conventionally antibody-tested triple seronegative Myasthenia gravis. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:139-144. [PMID: 36746691 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoantibody testing is the mainstay in confirming the diagnosis of autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG). However, in approximately 15% of patients, antibody testing in clinical routine remains negative (seronegative MG). This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of "clustered" AChR- and MuSK- and LRP4- autoantibodies using a live cell-based assay in a large German cohort of seronegative myasthenia gravis (SNMG) patients. A total of 67 SNMG patients were included. Clustered AChR-ab were identified in 4.5% (n = 3) of patients. Two out of the three patients showed binding to the adult AchR as well as the fetal AchR. None of the patients was positive for MuSK- or LRP4-autoantibodies. There were no differences in clinical characteristics between the patients with and without clustered AChR-ab detection. Comparison of clinical data of our cohort with clinical data from the nationwide Myasthenia gravis registry showed broad similarities between seronegative MG patients of both cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hoffmann
- Department of Neurology and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Patrick Waters
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Leslie Jacobson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Schuelke
- Department of Neuropediatrics and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Werner Stenzel
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sophie Lehnerer
- Department of Neurology and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Frauke Stascheit
- Department of Neurology and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Corinna Preuße
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Department of Neurology and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
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3
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Damato V, Spagni G, Monte G, Woodhall M, Jacobson L, Falso S, Smith T, Iorio R, Waters P, Irani SR, Vincent A, Evoli A. Clinical value of cell-based assays in the characterisation of seronegative myasthenia gravis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2022; 93:995-1000. [PMID: 35835469 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-329284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with myasthenia gravis without acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) antibodies detected by radioimmunoprecipitation assays (RIAs) are classified as seronegative myasthenia gravis (SNMG). Live cell-based assays (l-CBAs) can detect additional antibodies to clustered AChR, MuSK and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4), but positivity rates are variable and both clinical relevance and utility of CBA platforms remain unclear. METHODS Sera from 82 patients with SNMG were tested by l-CBAs. Human embryonic kidney cells were transfected to individually express clustered AChR, MuSK or LRP4; or transfected to jointly express both clustered adult AChR and MuSK. Sera from 30 and 20 patients positive by RIA for AChR or MuSK antibodies were used as comparators. RESULTS 53 of 82 (72%) patients with SNMG had generalised and 29 (28%) had ocular disease. The clustered AChR CBA detected antibodies in 16 of 82 patients (19.5%; including 4 patients with solely fetal AChR antibodies), while 7 of 82 (8.5%) patients had MuSK antibodies. A novel exploratory combined adult AChR-MuSK l-CBA efficiently detected all these antibodies in a subset of the SNMG cohort. No LRP4 antibodies were identified. Overall, patients with SNMG with clustered AChR antibodies, CBA-positive MuSK-MG or triple seronegative were younger, had less severe disease than patients with RIA-positive MG and had a better clinical outcome when immunotherapy was started soon after disease onset, although the time interval from onset to immunotherapy was not different when compared with patients with RIA-positive MG. CONCLUSION Around one-third of patients with SNMG had AChR or MuSK antibodies by l-CBAs, which were efficiently detected with a combined l-CBA. The results in this large and unselected cohort of patients with MG demonstrate the diagnostic usefulness of performing CBAs and the importance of making these tests more widely available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Damato
- Neuroscience Department, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy .,Department of Neurosciences, Drugs and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gregorio Spagni
- Neuroscience Department, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.,Neurology Institute, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Monte
- Neuroscience Department, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.,Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mark Woodhall
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Leslie Jacobson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Silvia Falso
- Neuroscience Department, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Thomas Smith
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Raffaele Iorio
- Neurology Institute, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrick Waters
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarosh R Irani
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Amelia Evoli
- Neuroscience Department, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.,Neurology Institute, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCSS, Rome, Italy
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4
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Michail M, Zouvelou V, Belimezi M, Haroniti A, Zouridakis M, Zisimopoulou P. Analysis of nAChR Autoantibodies Against Extracellular Epitopes in MG Patients. Front Neurol 2022; 13:858998. [PMID: 35418927 PMCID: PMC8995881 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.858998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder caused by autoantibodies targeting components of the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), leading to neuromuscular transmission deficiency. In the vast majority of patients, these autoantibodies target the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), a heteropentameric ion channel anchored to the postsynaptic membrane of the NMJ. Autoantibodies in patients with MG may target all the subunits of the receptor at both their extracellular and intracellular regions. Here, we combine immunoadsorption with a cell-based assay to examine the specificity of the patients' autoantibodies against the extracellular part of the nAChR. Our results reveal that these autoantibodies can be divided into distinct groups, based on their target, with probably different impacts on disease severity. Although our findings are based on a small sample group of patients, they strongly support that additional analysis of the specificity of the autoantibodies of patients with MG could serve as a valuable tool for the clinicians' decision on the treatment strategy to be followed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Michail
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece.,Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Zouvelou
- Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Belimezi
- Diagnostic Department, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Haroniti
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Marios Zouridakis
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Zisimopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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5
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Mirian A, Nicolle MW, Edmond P, Budhram A. Comparison of fixed cell-based assay to radioimmunoprecipitation assay for acetylcholine receptor antibody detection in myasthenia gravis. J Neurol Sci 2021; 432:120084. [PMID: 34906880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare specificity and sensitivity of a commercially available fixed cell-based assay (F-CBA) to radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) for acetylcholine receptor antibody (anti-AChR) detection in myasthenia gravis (MG). METHODS In this retrospective diagnostic cohort study we reviewed the clinical information of suspected MG patients evaluated at the London Health Sciences Centre MG clinic who had anti-AChR RIPA and then F-CBA performed, in order to classify them as MG or non-MG. Classification of each patient as anti-AChR F-CBA-negative/positive, RIPA-negative/positive, and MG/non-MG permitted specificity and sensitivity calculations for each assay. RESULTS Six-hundred-eighteen patients were included in study analysis. The median patient age at time of sample collection was 45.8 years (range: 7.5-87.5 years) and 312/618 (50.5%) were female. Of 618 patients, 395 (63.9%) were classified as MG. Specificity of both F-CBA and RIPA was excellent (99.6% vs. 100%, P > 0.99). One F-CBA-positive patient was classified as non-MG, although in retrospect ocular MG with functional overlay was challenging to exclude. Sensitivity of F-CBA was significantly higher than RIPA (76.7% vs. 72.7%, P = 0.002). Overall, 20/97 (21%) otherwise seronegative MG (SNMG) patients after RIPA evaluation had anti-AChR detected by F-CBA. CONCLUSIONS In our study anti-AChR F-CBA and RIPA both had excellent specificity, while F-CBA had 4% higher sensitivity for MG and detected anti-AChR in 21% of SNMG patients. Our findings indicate that F-CBA is a viable alternative to RIPA for anti-AChR detection. Prospective studies comparing F-CBA, RIPA and L-CBA are needed to determine optimal anti-AChR testing algorithms in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ario Mirian
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael W Nicolle
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pamela Edmond
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adrian Budhram
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
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6
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Comparative Analysis of BIOCHIP Mosaic-Based Indirect Immunofluorescence with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Diagnosing Myasthenia Gravis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11112098. [PMID: 34829445 PMCID: PMC8619605 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11112098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The detection of anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies is useful in myasthenia gravis (MG) diagnosis and management. BIOCHIP mosaic-based indirect immunofluorescence is a novel analytical method, which employs the simultaneous detection of anti-AChR and anti-MuSK antibodies in a single miniature incubation field. In this study, we compare, for the first time, the BIOCHIP MG mosaic with conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the diagnosis of MG. Methods: A total of 71 patients with MG diagnosis were included in the study. Anti-AChR and anti-MuSK antibodies were measured separately by two different ELISA and simultaneously by BIOCHIP. The results were then compared. Results: The overall concordance between ELISA and BIOCHIP for anti-AChR reactivity was 74%. Cohen’s kappa was 0.51 (95% CI 0.32–0.71), which corresponds to 90% of the maximum possible kappa (0.57), given the observed marginal frequencies. The overall concordance for anti-MuSK reactivity was 84%. Cohen’s kappa was 0.11 (95% CI 0.00–0.36), which corresponds to 41% of the maximum possible kappa (0.27). Conclusion: The overall concordance among assays is not optimal.
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Gastaldi M, Scaranzin S, Businaro P, Mobilia E, Benedetti L, Pesce G, Franciotta D. Improving laboratory diagnostics in myasthenia gravis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:579-590. [PMID: 33970749 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1927715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a prototypical autoimmune disease, characterized by pathogenic autoantibodies targeting structures of the neuromuscular junction. Radioimmunoprecipitation assays (RIPAs) represent the gold standard for their detection. However, new methods are emerging to complement, or overcome RIPAs, also with the perspective of eliminating the use of radioactive reagents.Areas covered: We discuss advances in laboratory methods, prompted especially by cell-based assays (CBAs), for the detection of the autoantibodies of MG diagnostics, above all those to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR), muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), and low molecular-weight receptor-related low-density lipoprotein-4 (LRP4).Expert opinion: CBA technology makes AChRs aggregate on cell membranes, thus allowing to detect autoantibodies to clustered AChRs, with reduction of seronegative MG cases. The diagnostic relevance of RIPA/CBA-measurable LRP4 antibodies is still unclear, in Caucasian patients at least. Live CBAs for the detection of AChR, MuSK, and LRP4 antibodies might represent an alternative to RIPAs, but first require full validation. CBAs could be used as screening tests, limiting RIPAs for antibody quantification. To this end, ELISAs might be an alternative.Fixation procedures preserving enough degree of antigen conformationality could yield AChR and MuSK CBAs suitable for a wide use in clinical-chemistry laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Gastaldi
- Neuroimmunology Laboratory, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Scaranzin
- Neuroimmunology Laboratory, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pietro Businaro
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mobilia
- Autoimmunity Laboratory, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Luana Benedetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Giampaola Pesce
- Autoimmunity Laboratory, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine (Dimi), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Diego Franciotta
- Autoimmunity Laboratory, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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8
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Roche P, Bouhour F. Myasthenia gravis and pregnancy. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2021; 177:215-219. [PMID: 33648779 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2020.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease characterised by fluctuating muscle weakness, which worsens during activity. It affects particularly scapular and pelvic girdles, axial and bulbar muscles. Myasthenia gravis is twice more frequent in women and symptoms often appear in the second and third decade of life. Thus, a growing number of women affected by this condition become pregnant. To minimise the effects of myasthenia gravis on pregnancy and the newborn, and to avoid myasthenia crisis in the post-partum, the pregnancy must be planned as far as possible. During pregnancy, treatment must be reviewed due to the threat of teratogenic effects (mycophenolate mofetil, rituximab), and the follow-up must be multidisciplinary.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Roche
- Service d'électroneuromyographie et pathologies neuromusculaires - Hôpital Pierre-Wertheimer - CHU de Lyon HCL - GH Est, 59, boulevard Pinel, Bron cedex, Lyon, France
| | - F Bouhour
- Service d'électroneuromyographie et pathologies neuromusculaires - Hôpital Pierre-Wertheimer - CHU de Lyon HCL - GH Est, 59, boulevard Pinel, Bron cedex, Lyon, France.
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9
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Lazaridis K, Tzartos SJ. Myasthenia Gravis: Autoantibody Specificities and Their Role in MG Management. Front Neurol 2020; 11:596981. [PMID: 33329350 PMCID: PMC7734299 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.596981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction, characterized by skeletal muscle weakness and fatigability. It is caused by autoantibodies targeting proteins of the neuromuscular junction; ~85% of MG patients have autoantibodies against the muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR-MG), whereas about 5% of MG patients have autoantibodies against the muscle specific kinase (MuSK-MG). In the remaining about 10% of patients no autoantibodies can be found with the classical diagnostics for AChR and MuSK antibodies (seronegative MG, SN-MG). Since serological tests are relatively easy and non-invasive for disease diagnosis, the improvement of methods for the detection of known autoantibodies or the discovery of novel autoantibody specificities to diminish SN-MG and to facilitate differential diagnosis of similar diseases, is crucial. Radioimmunoprecipitation assays (RIPA) are the staple for MG antibody detection, but over the past years, using cell-based assays (CBAs) or improved highly sensitive RIPAs, it has been possible to detect autoantibodies in previously SN-MG patients. This led to the identification of more patients with antibodies to the classical antigens AChR and MuSK and to the third MG autoantigen, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4), while antibodies against other extracellular or intracellular targets, such as agrin, Kv1.4 potassium channels, collagen Q, titin, the ryanodine receptor and cortactin have been found in some MG patients. Since the autoantigen targeted determines in part the clinical manifestations, prognosis and response to treatment, serological tests are not only indispensable for initial diagnosis, but also for monitoring treatment efficacy. Importantly, knowing the autoantibody profile of MG patients could allow for more efficient personalized therapeutic approaches. Significant progress has been made over the past years toward the development of antigen-specific therapies, targeting only the specific immune cells or autoantibodies involved in the autoimmune response. In this review, we will present the progress made toward the development of novel sensitive autoantibody detection assays, the identification of new MG autoantigens, and the implications for improved antigen-specific therapeutics. These advancements increase our understanding of MG pathology and improve patient quality of life by providing faster, more accurate diagnosis and better disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Socrates J Tzartos
- Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, Athens, Greece.,Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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10
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Nagaishi A, Narita T, Woodhall M, Jacobson L, Waters P, Irani SR, Vincent A, Matsuo H. Autoantibodies in Japanese patients with ocular myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 2020; 63:262-267. [PMID: 33094484 PMCID: PMC7983878 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The majority of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) initially present with ocular symptoms, but it is difficult to predict which cases will remain as ocular MG (OMG) or will progress to generalized MG. Herein we evaluated the serologic profile of Japanese OMG and its relationship with clinical features. Methods Seventy‐three patients with OMG from five Japanese myasthenia gravis (MG) centers were enrolled. Live cell‐based assays (CBAs) were used to determine the presence of autoantibodies (Abs) to clustered adult (2α, β, δ, ε) and fetal (2α, β, δ, γ) acetylcholine receptor (AChR) isoforms, muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK), and lipoprotein receptor–related protein‐4 (LRP4). Results Thirty‐four of 73 (46.5%) serum samples were positive for Abs against both the adult‐type and fetal‐type AChR, as expected, but 7 (9.6%) and 2 (2.7%) were positive only for fetal or adult AChR‐Abs, respectively. Four (5.4%) samples were positive for MuSK‐Abs, but two of these also contained antibodies to fetal AChR or LRP4. Twenty‐six (35.6%) samples were seronegative. Discussion Abs against fetal‐specific AChR, MuSK, and LRP4 are found in some patients with OMG. Future studies attempting to predict conversion from ocular symptoms to generalized MG may benefit from measurement of these antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Nagaishi
- Department of Neurology, Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Nagasaki, Japan.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tomoko Narita
- Department of Neurology, Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Mark Woodhall
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Leslie Jacobson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Patrick Waters
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarosh R Irani
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hidenori Matsuo
- Department of Neurology, Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Nagasaki, Japan
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Yan C, Zhao R, Song J, Feng X, Xi J, Luo S, Zhong H, Zhou S, Li W, Zhao C. Comparison of anti-acetylcholine receptor profiles between Chinese cases of adult- and juvenile-onset myasthenia gravis using cell-based assays. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 349:577403. [PMID: 32992216 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Juvenile-onset myasthenia gravis (JOMG) is a unique clinical subtype in China, featured by a higher prevalence of ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG), higher seronegativity of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies, and better prognosis than that in adult-onset myasthenia gravis (AOMG). We previously identified low-affinity AChR antibodies in Chinese JOMG patients using cell-based assays (CBAs), indicating a predominantly AChR antibody-positive profile. Here, we further screened AChR antibodies in both Chinese AOMG and JOMG patients by CBAs. MATERIALS AND METHODS We recruited patients with MG who had not received prednisone or immunosuppressive therapies between June 2015 and June 2019, and divided them into AOMG and JOMG subgroups according to their ages at the time of recruitment. Clinical information and blood samples were collected. Serum AChR antibodies were detected by CBAs in HEK293T cells expressing clustered adult and fetal AChRs, as well as by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Differences in AChR antibody profiles between AOMG and JOMG subgroups were determined. RESULTS A total of 239 patients with MG were enrolled in the present study, including 121 AOMG and 118 JOMG patients. Based on ELISAs, 74.4% of AOMG (90/121) and 59.3% of JOMG (70/118) patients were anti-AChR positive (p = 0.02). However, CBAs yielded equal anti-AChR positivities (p = 0.64), as indicated by 80.2% of AOMG patients (97/121) and 77.1% of JOMG patients (91/118). Furthermore, among AOMG patients, 67.8% (82/121) were positive for both adult and fetal AChR antibodies, 5.8% (7/121) were positive for only adult AChR antibodies, and 6.6% (8/121) were positive for only fetal AChR antibodies, while these rates were 50.8% (60/118), 21.2% (25/118), and 5.1% (6/118), respectively, in JOMG cohorts (p < 0.01). Twenty-nine AOMG patients and 10 JOMG patients underwent IgG subclassification of AChR antibodies, which were all confirmed to be predominantly IgG1. CONCLUSIONS The positive rates of AChR antibodies did not differ between Chinese AOMG and JOMG patients, as revealed by CBAs. Furthermore, the screened AChR antibodies were predominantly IgG1 in both AOMG and JOMG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Yan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jie Song
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Xuelin Feng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Jianying Xi
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Sushan Luo
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Huahua Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Shuizhen Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Department of Neurology, Jing'an District Center Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
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12
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Cetin H, Beeson D, Vincent A, Webster R. The Structure, Function, and Physiology of the Fetal and Adult Acetylcholine Receptor in Muscle. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:581097. [PMID: 33013323 PMCID: PMC7506097 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.581097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a highly developed synapse linking motor neuron activity with muscle contraction. A complex of molecular cascades together with the specialized NMJ architecture ensures that each action potential arriving at the motor nerve terminal is translated into an action potential in the muscle fiber. The muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is a key molecular component located at the postsynaptic muscle membrane responsible for the generation of the endplate potential (EPP), which usually exceeds the threshold potential necessary to activate voltage-gated sodium channels and triggers a muscle action potential. Two AChR isoforms are found in mammalian muscle. The fetal isoform is present in prenatal stages and is involved in the development of the neuromuscular system whereas the adult isoform prevails thereafter, except after denervation when the fetal form is re-expressed throughout the muscle. This review will summarize the structural and functional differences between the two isoforms and outline congenital and autoimmune myasthenic syndromes that involve the isoform specific AChR subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Cetin
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Beeson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Webster
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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13
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Lazaridis K, Tzartos SJ. Autoantibody Specificities in Myasthenia Gravis; Implications for Improved Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Front Immunol 2020; 11:212. [PMID: 32117321 PMCID: PMC7033452 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness and fatiguability of skeletal muscles. It is an antibody-mediated disease, caused by autoantibodies targeting neuromuscular junction proteins. In the majority of patients (~85%) antibodies against the muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR) are detected, while in 6% antibodies against the muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) are detected. In ~10% of MG patients no autoantibodies can be found with the classical diagnostics for AChR and MuSK antibodies (seronegative MG, SN-MG), making the improvement of methods for the detection of known autoantibodies or the discovery of novel antigenic targets imperative. Over the past years, using cell-based assays or improved highly sensitive immunoprecipitation assays, it has been possible to detect autoantibodies in previously SN-MG patients, including the identification of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4) as a third MG autoantigen, as well as AChR and MuSK antibodies undetectable by conventional methods. Furthermore, antibodies against other extracellular or intracellular targets, such as titin, the ryanodine receptor, agrin, collagen Q, Kv1.4 potassium channels and cortactin have been found in some MG patients, which can be useful biomarkers. In addition to the improvement of diagnosis, the identification of the patients' autoantibody specificity is important for their stratification into respective subgroups, which can differ in terms of clinical manifestations, prognosis and most importantly their response to therapies. The knowledge of the autoantibody profile of MG patients would allow for a therapeutic strategy tailored to their MG subgroup. This is becoming especially relevant as there is increasing progress toward the development of antigen-specific therapies, targeting only the specific autoantibodies or immune cells involved in the autoimmune response, such as antigen-specific immunoadsorption, which have shown promising results. We will herein review the advances made by us and others toward development of more sensitive detection methods and the identification of new antibody targets in MG, and discuss their significance in MG diagnosis and therapy. Overall, the development of novel autoantibody assays is aiding in the more accurate diagnosis and classification of MG patients, supporting the development of advanced therapeutics and ultimately the improvement of disease management and patient quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Socrates J Tzartos
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece.,Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, Athens, Greece
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14
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Yan C, Li W, Song J, Feng X, Xi J, Lu J, Zhou S, Zhao C. Cell-Based Versus Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Detection of Acetylcholine Receptor Antibodies in Chinese Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis. Pediatr Neurol 2019; 98:74-79. [PMID: 31307830 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients in China with juvenile-onset myasthenia gravis present early, with a high prevalence of purely ocular symptoms, spontaneous remission rates, and low antibody seropositivity. Antibody detection using a cell-based assay has been reported to increase the diagnostic sensitivity in adult-onset myasthenia gravis. However, this method in patients with juvenile-onset myasthenia gravis has not been investigated. METHODS Patients with juvenile-onset myasthenia gravis who had not received prednisone or immunosuppressive therapy were recruited between June 2015 and April 2018 at the Huashan Hospital. Clinical information was collected. Serum anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies were detected via cell-based assay with HEK293T cells expressing acetylcholine receptor subunits and rapsyn. Additionally, the IgG antibody subclass was identified. RESULTS Eighty-two patients with juvenile-onset myasthenia gravis were enrolled in the current study. Among them, 48 patients were anti-acetylcholine receptor positive (58.5%) and 34 were seronegative (41.5%), as assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell-based assay yielded 63 positive subjects (76.8%) and 19 seronegative subjects (23.2%). All the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-positive samples showed robust immunofluorescence in the cell-based assay, whereas 15 of 34 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-negative patients (44.1%) were found to have low-affinity acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Among all the cell-based assay-positive patients, 41 were positive for both adult and fetal acetylcholine receptor antibodies (50.0%), 18 were found positive for only adult acetylcholine receptor antibodies (21.9%), and four were found to possess only fetal acetylcholine receptor antibodies (4.9%). Fifteen antibody-positive samples underwent subclassification and were confirmed to be IgG1 subclass predominant (n = 15, including eight adult and fetal acetylcholine receptor antibody positive, five only adult acetylcholine receptor antibody positive, and two only fetal acetylcholine receptor antibody positive). There were no significant differences in clinical features among patients with different antibody profiles. CONCLUSIONS The cell-based assay showed increased sensitivity in acetylcholine receptor antibody detection in Chinese patients with juvenile-onset myasthenia gravis, and most cases of Chinese juvenile-onset myasthenia gravis are still acetylcholine receptor autoantibody mediated. Furthermore, the antibodies detected are predominately of the IgG1 subclass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Yan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Song
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuelin Feng
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianying Xi
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahong Lu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuizhen Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Neurology, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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15
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Cui YZ, Qu SY, Chang LL, Zhao JR, Mu L, Sun B, Li HL, Zhang TS, Wang GY, Kong QF. Enhancement of T Follicular Helper Cell-Mediated Humoral Immunity Reponses During Development of Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:507-518. [PMID: 30796753 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00344-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a prototypical antibody-mediated neurological autoimmune disease with the involvement of humoral immune responses in its pathogenesis. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells have been implicated in many autoimmune diseases. However, whether and how Tfh cells are involved in MG remain unclear. Here, we established and studied a widely-used and approved animal model of human MG, the rat model with acetylcholine receptor alpha (AChRα) subunit (R-AChR97-116)-induced experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). This model presented mild body-weight loss 10 days after the first immunization (representing the early stage of disease) and more obvious clinical manifestations and body-weight loss 7 days after the second immunization (representing the late stage of disease). AChR-specific pre-Tfh cells and mature Tfh cells were detected in these two stages, respectively. In co-cultures of Tfh cells and B cells, the number of IgG2b-secreting B cells and the level of anti-AChR antibodies in the supernatant were higher in the cultures containing EAMG-derived Tfh cells. In immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays, a substantial number of CD4+/Bcl-6+ T cells and a greater number of larger germinal centers were observed in lymph node tissues resected from EAMG rats. Based on these results, we hypothesize that an AChR-specific Tfh cell-mediated humoral immune response contributes to the development of EAMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Zhe Cui
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Si-Ying Qu
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Lu-Lu Chang
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Jia-Rui Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Lili Mu
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Hu-Lun Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Tong-Shuai Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Guang-You Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Qing-Fei Kong
- Department of Neurobiology, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
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16
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Gilhus NE, Hong Y. Maternal myasthenia gravis represents a risk for the child through autoantibody transfer, immunosuppressive therapy and genetic influence. Eur J Neurol 2018; 25:1402-1409. [PMID: 30133097 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Females with myasthenia gravis (MG) worry about their disease having negative consequences for their children. Autoimmune disease mechanisms, treatment and heredity could all have an impact on the child. This is a subject review where Web of Science was searched for relevant keywords and combinations. Controlled and prospective studies were included, and also results from selected and unselected patient cohorts, guidelines, consensus papers and reviews. Neonatal MG with temporary muscle weakness occurs in 10% of newborn babies where the mother has MG, due to transplacental transfer of antibodies against acetylcholine receptor (AChR), muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) or lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4). Arthrogryposis and fetal AChR inactivation syndrome with contractures and permanent myopathy are rare events caused by mother's antibodies against fetal type AChR. The MG drugs pyridostigmine, prednisolone and azathioprine are regarded as safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide are teratogenic. Mother's MG implies at least a 10-fold increased risk for MG and other autoimmune diseases in the child. MG females should receive specific information about pregnancy and giving birth. First-line MG treatments should usually be continued during pregnancy. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange represent safe treatments for exacerbations. Neonatal MG risk means that MG women should give birth at hospitals experienced in neonatal intensive care. Neonatal MG needs supportive care, rarely also acetylcholine esterase inhibition or intravenous immunoglobulin. Women with MG should be supported in their wish to have children.
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Affiliation(s)
- N E Gilhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Y Hong
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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17
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George S, Noack M, Vanek M, Rentzsch J, Röber N, Conrad K, Roggenbuck D, Küpper JH. Expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in HEp-2 cells for immunodetection of autoantibody specificities in sera from Myasthenia gravis patients. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2015; 61:385-96. [DOI: 10.3233/ch-151999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. George
- Faculty of Science, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty of the Technical University of Dresden, Germany
| | - M. Noack
- Faculty of Science, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Germany
| | - M. Vanek
- Faculty of Science, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Germany
| | - J. Rentzsch
- Faculty of Science, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Germany
| | - N. Röber
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty of the Technical University of Dresden, Germany
| | - K. Conrad
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty of the Technical University of Dresden, Germany
| | - D. Roggenbuck
- Faculty of Science, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Germany
- Generic Assays GmbH, Dahlewitz, Germany
| | - J.-H. Küpper
- Faculty of Science, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Germany
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18
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Zhang DQ, Wang R, Li T, Li X, Qi Y, Wang J, Yang L. Remarkably increased resistin levels in anti-AChR antibody-positive myasthenia gravis. J Neuroimmunol 2015; 283:7-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Alterations of natural killer cells in traumatic brain injury. Neurosci Bull 2014; 30:903-912. [PMID: 25446874 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-014-1481-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the relationship between natural killer (NK) cells and traumatic brain injury (TBI), we tracked an established phenotype of circulating NK cells at several time points in patients with different grades of TBI. In serial peripheral blood samples, NK cells were prospectively measured by flow cytometry of CD3(-) CD56(+) lymphocytes. Compared to healthy controls, TBI patients had reductions in both the percentage and the absolute number of NK cells. Furthermore, the magnitude of NK cell reduction correlated with the degree of TBI severity at several time points. That is, NK cell population size was independently associated with lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores. In addition, at some time points, a positive correlation was found between the NK cell counts and Glasgow Outcome Scale scores. Our results indicate that TBI induces a reduction in the number of NK cells, and the magnitude of the reduction appears to parallel the severity of TBI.
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20
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Zisimopoulou P, Brenner T, Trakas N, Tzartos SJ. Serological diagnostics in myasthenia gravis based on novel assays and recently identified antigens. Autoimmun Rev 2013; 12:924-30. [PMID: 23537507 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common immune-mediated disorder of the neuromuscular junction with a prevalence of 200-300/million population and its study has established paradigms for exploring other antibody-mediated diseases. Most MG patients (~85%) have autoantibodies against the muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR-MG), whereas about 6% of MG patients have autoantibodies against the muscle specific kinase (MuSK-MG). Until recently no autoantibodies could be detected in the remaining patients (seronegative MG). Probably, the most sensitive assays for the detection of the autoantibodies in MG sera have been the radioimmunoprecipitation assays (RIPA) for both types of MG. However, with recent novel methods, not yet used routinely, it has been shown that the "seronegative" MG group includes patients with low levels of autoantibodies or of low affinity, against the known autoantigens, or even with antibodies to recently identified autoantigens. Since MG is heterogeneous in terms of pathophysiology, depending on the autoantigen targeted and on other factors (e.g. presence of thymoma), the serological tests are crucial in verifying the initial clinical diagnosis, whereas frequent measurement of autoantibody levels is important in monitoring the course of the disease and the efficacy of treatment. In addition, in AChR-MG, autoantibodies against the muscle proteins titin and ryanodin receptor have been identified; these antibodies are useful for the classification of MG, indicating the concomitant presence of thymoma, and as prognostic markers.
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