Effects of different anti-ganglioside antibodies on nerve regeneration in vitro

Background: Antibodies against gangliosides are implicated as immune effectors in some forms of Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS). It has been demonstrated that antibodies against GM1 and GD1a are associated with poor clinical outcome and incomplete functional recovery in some patients with axonal GBS, likely reflecting poor axonal regeneration. Recent studies indicate that modulation of gangliosides by cross-linking or overexpression can alter neurite outgrowth. Based on these observations we hypothesized that antibodies against gangliosides can impair peripheral nerve regeneration and affect recovery in some patie…