Serological diagnosis of myasthenia gravis and its clinical significance.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common immune-mediated disorder of the neuromuscular junction. Anti-acetylcholine receptor (anti-AChR), anti-muscle-specific kinase (anti-MuSK), and anti-lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (anti-LRP4) antibodies are the three well-defined pathogenic antibodies. Patients with MG can also have other antibodies, such as anti-titin, anti-ryanodine receptor (anti-RyR), anti-Agrin and anti-KV1.4 antibodies. Since MG is heterogeneous in terms of pathophysiology, antibody status, and other factors, serological tests are crucial for clinical diagnosis confirmation and treatment choice. Herein, we review the different methods for detection of various antibodies involved in MG and their sensitivity and specificity. The understanding of these elements should be useful for improving the diagnosis and determining how to adapt the existing therapies to the requirements of each patient.

Informations de copyright

2023 Annals of Translational Medicine. All rights reserved.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://atm.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/atm-19-363/coif). The series “Laboratory Investigations in Neuroimmunological Diseases and Their Clinical Significance” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. YL reports grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China, during the conduct of the study. YP reports grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China, during the conduct of the study. HY reports grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China, during the conduct of the study. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare.