The role of the thymus in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis

Tohoku J Exp Med. 2005 Oct;207(2):87-98. doi: 10.1620/tjem.207.87.

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by the production of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies. In this review, I describe the pathophysiological importance of the altered chemokine receptor-mediated signaling in the thymus and peripheral blood of myasthenia gravis patients. The epidemiological and clinical features of myasthenia gravis are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / epidemiology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / etiology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / physiopathology
  • Chemokines / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Myasthenia Gravis / epidemiology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / etiology*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / physiopathology
  • Receptors, Chemokine / immunology
  • Thymus Gland / immunology*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Chemokines
  • Receptors, Chemokine