Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) triggers Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and elicits anti-galactocerebroside (GalC) antibodies. Specifically anti-GalC IgG is associated with Mp-GBS, possibly because of its better ability to cross the blood-nerve barrier (BNB). We here investigated CSF for the presence of anti-GalC in GBS. Intrathecal anti-GalC was found in 46% of Mp-GBS patients (n = 6/13), in contrast to 16% of GBS controls (n = 4/25) and 0% of non-GBS controls (n = 0/7). The antibodies most likely originated from increased BNB permeability and/or intrathecal synthesis. Intrathecal anti-GalC IgG was specifically associated with Mp-GBS, further supporting that anti-GalC IgG contributes to the pathogenesis of GBS.

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doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2017.11.011, hdl.handle.net/1765/103433
Journal of Neuroimmunology
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Meyer Sauteur, P.M. (Patrick M.), Huizinga, R., Tio-Gillen, A., Drenthen, J., Unger, W.W.J. (Wendy W.J.), Jacobs, E., … Jacobs, B. C. (2018). Intrathecal antibody responses to GalC in Guillain-Barré syndrome triggered by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 314, 13–16. doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2017.11.011