Immunoglobulin subclass distribution and binding characteristics of anti-GQ1b antibodies in Miller Fisher syndrome

Willison, H.J. and Veitch, J. (1994) Immunoglobulin subclass distribution and binding characteristics of anti-GQ1b antibodies in Miller Fisher syndrome. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 50(2), pp. 159-165. (doi: 10.1016/0165-5728(94)90042-6)

Abstract

Circulating IgG antibodies to carbohydrate determinants on GQ1b ganglioside are found in the acute phase sera of patients with Miller Fisher syndrome, a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Here we report that the IgG subclass distribution of the anti-GQ1b antibodies is mainly restricted to IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies, subclasses typically associated with a T cell-dependent immune response to protein antigens. This is highly unusual in that IgG responses to carbohydrate determinants are typically of the IgG2 subclass. Anti-GQ1b antibodies also have a limited ability to bind GQ1b in a membrane-like environment, particularly at body temperature. These data suggest that the antigen initiating the immune response in MFS is not likely GQ1b but an unidentified cross-reactive glycoprotein antigen(s). Similar results were obtained for anti-GM1 IgG antibodies in Guillain-Barré syndrome.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Willison, Professor Hugh
• Authors: Willison, H.J., and Veitch, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Journal of Neuroimmunology
• ISSN: 0165-5728
• ISSN (Online): 1872-8421