Anti–ganglioside antibody–positive neuropathies

Abstract

Several animal models of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) which is an acute immune–mediated polyneuropathy have been reported. The detailed analysis of the animal models revealed that complement activation is associated with the pathogenesis of GBS, and recently complement inhibitors are notable as novel therapies in GBS. Recent studies using the animal models have shown the efficacy of complement inhibitors such as eculizumab, C1q inhibitor, and IgG–degrading enzyme of Streptococcus pyogenes. At present, several trials regarding these drugs are in progress. Animal models have an important role for development of novel therapies.