Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

9-1-2024

Journal

Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs

DOI

10.1080/13543784.2024.2377323

PMID

38980318

PMCID

PMC11424254

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

9-1-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

Introduction: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a monophasic immune neuropathic disorder characterized by acute paralysis. A significant portion of patients are left with residual deficits, which presents a considerable global healthcare challenge. The precise mechanisms underlying GBS pathogenesis are not fully elucidated. Recent studies have focused on postinfectious molecular mimicry and identified involvement of IgG autoantibodies and innate immune effectors in GBS. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) and plasma exchange (PE) are two established evidence-based immunomodulatory treatments for GBS, but a significant proportion of GBS patients fails to respond adequately to either therapy. This emphasizes an urgent need for novel and more potent treatments.

Areas covered: We discuss novel immunomodulatory therapies presently at different phases of preclinical and clinical investigation. Some drugs in development target pathophysiologic mechanisms such as IgG autoantibody catabolism and complement activation, which are relevant to GBS.

Expert opinion: There is an unmet need for more effective immune therapies for GBS. New immunomodulatory therapies under development may provide more potent options for GBS patients who do not respond to IVIg or PE. Future directions may include incorporating neuroprotective interventions based on evolving understanding of mechanisms underlying nerve injury and axonal degeneration.

Keywords

Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Humans, Immunoglobulins, Intravenous, Animals, Plasma Exchange, Drug Development, Immunomodulating Agents, Autoantibodies, Immunoglobulin G, Immunologic Factors, Neuroprotective Agents, Molecular Mimicry, Immunity, Innate, GBS, Fc-gamma receptors, IgG autoantibodies, Complement, IVIg, Immunomodulatory treatments, Neuroprotective strategy, Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn)

Published Open-Access

yes

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