Biomarkers in Polyradiculoneuropathies

The nodes of Ranvier contain ion channels that enable the rapid propagation of the nerve impulse. Cell adhesion molecules and glycolipids play an important role in the formation of the nodes of Ranvier. Antibodies against glycolipids are detected in half of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome, an acute inflammatory neuropathy affecting peripheral nerve. The investigators found that antibodies target cell adhesion molecules at nodes of Ranvier in 10% of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy (CIDP), another disabling neuromuscular disease affecting peripheral nerves. In the majority of patients with GBS or CIDP, the mechanisms responsible for the neuromuscular disorders are unknown. Our goals are to identify novel targets of antibodies in patients, this in order to find novel bio-markers and to better understand the physiopathology of inflammatory neuropathies. This work will help patient diagnosis and treatment orientation.