Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder caused by autoantibodies against post-synaptic proteins at the neuromuscular junction. These antibodies mostly attack the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), the muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), and the low-density lipoprotein-related protein 4 (LRP4). The main clinical characteristic of the disease is the presence of fluctuating fatigable muscle weakness involving the extraocular, facial, bulbar, respiratory, cervical, and proximal limb muscles. It is known that the thymus has an important role in the pathophysiology of the disease, and some patients associate a thymoma.
Treatment is based on anti-acetylcholine esterase inhibitors as symptomatic therapy, thymectomy, immunomodulatory drugs such as intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange, and immunosuppressive drugs. The prognostic of the disease has improved in the last decades, but there are patients with severe forms of the disease or present with intolerance to drugs, drug-refractory patients, and those who face life-threatening events. So, it is still a challenge to treat MG.
The recent availability of new pharmacologic therapies that target key pathological mechanisms may help to treat MG more efficiently. This Research Topic aims to explore and discuss new emerging drugs to treat MG. As such, we welcome the submission of all manuscript types supported by Frontiers in Neurology (including reviews and original research articles) covering, but not limited to the following themes:
• Thymectomy, B cell and plasma cell depleting therapies
• Complement inhibitors
• Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonists
• Other novel strategies such as CAR-T cell or tolerance induction therapies
• Therapeutic strategies for specific patient profiles (infantile and juvenile MG, child-bearing potential women)
Potential conflicts of interest: Dr Cortés-Vicente and Dr Narayanaswami participated in advisory boards, consultation or as speaker for Alexion, Argenx, UCB and Janssen. In addition, Dr Narayanaswami received research support from Alexion, Momenta/Janssen, UCB/Ra, PCORI, and served as DSMB Chair, Sanofi. Dr Schreiner likewise received honoraria from Alexion Pharmaceuticals and Argenx for consulting services and attendances at advisory boards, and has received a research grant from NeRAB (Neuromuscular Disease Association Basel) supported by Roche for MG research.
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder caused by autoantibodies against post-synaptic proteins at the neuromuscular junction. These antibodies mostly attack the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), the muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), and the low-density lipoprotein-related protein 4 (LRP4). The main clinical characteristic of the disease is the presence of fluctuating fatigable muscle weakness involving the extraocular, facial, bulbar, respiratory, cervical, and proximal limb muscles. It is known that the thymus has an important role in the pathophysiology of the disease, and some patients associate a thymoma.
Treatment is based on anti-acetylcholine esterase inhibitors as symptomatic therapy, thymectomy, immunomodulatory drugs such as intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange, and immunosuppressive drugs. The prognostic of the disease has improved in the last decades, but there are patients with severe forms of the disease or present with intolerance to drugs, drug-refractory patients, and those who face life-threatening events. So, it is still a challenge to treat MG.
The recent availability of new pharmacologic therapies that target key pathological mechanisms may help to treat MG more efficiently. This Research Topic aims to explore and discuss new emerging drugs to treat MG. As such, we welcome the submission of all manuscript types supported by Frontiers in Neurology (including reviews and original research articles) covering, but not limited to the following themes:
• Thymectomy, B cell and plasma cell depleting therapies
• Complement inhibitors
• Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonists
• Other novel strategies such as CAR-T cell or tolerance induction therapies
• Therapeutic strategies for specific patient profiles (infantile and juvenile MG, child-bearing potential women)
Potential conflicts of interest: Dr Cortés-Vicente and Dr Narayanaswami participated in advisory boards, consultation or as speaker for Alexion, Argenx, UCB and Janssen. In addition, Dr Narayanaswami received research support from Alexion, Momenta/Janssen, UCB/Ra, PCORI, and served as DSMB Chair, Sanofi. Dr Schreiner likewise received honoraria from Alexion Pharmaceuticals and Argenx for consulting services and attendances at advisory boards, and has received a research grant from NeRAB (Neuromuscular Disease Association Basel) supported by Roche for MG research.
