Role of macrophages in Guillain-Barré syndrome: contributes with the outcome
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) occurs throughout the world with a median annual incidence of 1.3 cases per population of 100 000, with men being more frequently affected than women. GBS is currently divided into the two major subtypes: acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) and acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and clinically is defined as an acute peripheral neuropathy causing limb weakness that progresses over a time period of days or, at the most, up to 4 weeks. Campylobacter jejuni, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and Mycoplasma pneumonia are commonly identified antecedent pathogens. Strong evidence now exists that axonal subtypes of Guillain-Barré syndrome is caused by antibodies to gangliosides on the axolemma that target macrophages to invade the axon at the node of Ranvier, further, macrophages infiltrate peripheral nerves and may contribute to neural damage in the GBS. This review highlights relevant recent publications, particularly on the outcome of macrophages in Guillain-Barré syndrome.