Mannose-binding lectin pathway is not involved in myasthenia gravis pathogenesis

J Neuroimmunol. 2009 Mar 31;208(1-2):40-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2008.12.013. Epub 2009 Feb 3.

Abstract

Classical complement pathway factor, C4 is required for experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) pathogenesis. C4 is also a central component of the mannose binding lectin (MBL) pathway suggesting that this pathway might also be involved in MG pathogenesis. However, MBL gene deficient mice displayed intact anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-immune response and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) IgG and complement accumulation following AChR-immunization. Moreover, no significant difference was observed between the serum MBL levels of 77 anti-AChR antibody positive generalized MG patients and 105 healthy controls. Therefore, MBL pathway does not play a role in EAMG/MG pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Complement Pathway, Mannose-Binding Lectin / genetics
  • Complement Pathway, Mannose-Binding Lectin / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
  • Male
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / blood*
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / deficiency
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Middle Aged
  • Myasthenia Gravis / blood
  • Myasthenia Gravis / immunology*
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / immunology
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*
  • Torpedo

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin
  • Receptors, Cholinergic