Clinicoserological insights into patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myasthenia gravis

Ann Clin Transl Neurol. 2023 May;10(5):825-831. doi: 10.1002/acn3.51761. Epub 2023 Mar 16.

Abstract

To compare the immunopathology of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myasthenia gravis (ICI-MG) and idiopathic MG, we profiled the respective AChR autoantibody pathogenic properties. Of three ICI-MG patients with AChR autoantibodies, only one showed complement activation and modulation/blocking potency, resembling idiopathic MG. In contrast, AChR autoantibody-mediated effector functions were not detected in the other two patients, questioning the role of their AChR autoantibodies as key mediators of pathology. The contrasting properties of AChR autoantibodies in these cases challenge the accuracy of serological testing in establishing definite ICI-MG diagnoses and underscore the importance of a thorough clinical assessment when evaluating ICI-related adverse events.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies
  • Complement Activation
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / adverse effects
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / diagnosis
  • Receptors, Cholinergic

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • Autoantibodies