The Expanding List of Autoantibodies in Myasthenia Gravis

Agrin joins the acetylcholine receptor, MuSK, and LRP4 on the expanding list of antigenic targets in autoimmune myasthenia gravis.

The spectrum of autoantibodies present in patients with acquired autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG) has expanded significantly in the last decade. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is the most frequent (and well-known) antigenic target of the autoimmune response in MG, followed by antibodies directed against muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). A small proportion of double (nAChR and MuSK) seronegative patients possess antibodies that target low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4). Building on the observation that MG can be caused by autoantibodies that directly bind to the nAChR or to proteins (MuSK and LRP4) that mediate nAChR aggregation at the neuromuscular junction, investigators have now sought evidence …

Reviewing Author

Michael Benatar, MD, MS, PhD

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportNIH NeuroBioBank; ALS Association; NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; NIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; FDA; Department of Defense

Editorial boardsCochrane Collaboration

Leadership positions in professional societiesMuscle Study Group Executive Committee

Michael Benatar, MD, MS, PhD

Disclosures

Editorial boardsCochrane Collaboration

Leadership positions in professional societiesMuscle Study Group Executive Committee

The Expanding List of Autoantibodies in Myasthenia Gravis

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Reviewing Author