[Neuroimmunological diseases: update].

Abstract

Autoimmune mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of several neurological diseases, called as neuroimmunological diseases. Neuromyelitis optica(NMO) has long been considered as a subset of multiple sclerosis but the primary target of NMO has recently been shown as a water channel aquaporin 4(AQP4) localized on the astrocytes. Anti-AQP4 antibody is the main pathogenic factor in NMO. Antibodies to gangliosides and ganglioside complexes are involved in the pathogenesis of Guillain-Barré syndrome and Fisher syndrome. Efficacy of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for POEMS syndrome has been reported. Presence of anti-MuSK antibodies and anti-Lrp4 antibodies was shown in some of the patients with anti-AChR antibody-negative myasthenia gravis. Several novel autoantibodies have been reported in some neuroimmunological diseases affecting central nervous system. Nationwide surveys have recently been performed for several neuroimmunological diseases in Japan.

• Authors: Susumu Kusunoki
• Journal: Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine (Nihon Rinsho) Vol. 71 Issue 5 Pg. 771-7 (May 2013) ISSN: 0047-1852 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 23777080 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Autoantibodies

Topics

• Animals
• Autoantibodies (blood)
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome (diagnosis, immunology)
• Humans
• Japan
• Multiple Sclerosis (diagnosis, immunology)
• Myasthenia Gravis (diagnosis, immunology)
• Peripheral Nervous System Diseases (diagnosis, immunology)
• Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating (diagnosis, immunology)