Molecular Mimicry in Development of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

In some patients, GBS is preceded by production of antiganglioside antibodies in response to molecular mimicry.

The association between Campylobacter jejuni infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been established epidemiologically (N Engl J Med 1995; 333:1374). In this comprehensive review, Nobuhiro Yuki discusses antiganglioside antibodies in GBS and shows evidence that some antibodies are produced in response to molecular mimicry.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody against the GM1 ganglioside is typically produced in response to C. jejuni infection. Anti-GM1 IgG antibody is frequently present in the acute-phase sera of people with GBS, especially those with the acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) type. Lipo-oligosaccharide (a cell surface component) of C. jejuni isolated from a patient with AMAN was shown to have a GM1-like structure. In addi…

Reviewing Author

Susumu Kusunoki, MD, PhD