Anti-Gal-C antibodies in GBS subsequent to mycoplasma infection: Evidence of molecular mimicry

The authors previously reported the presence of antibody against galactocerebroside (Gal-C) in sera from patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome subsequent to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Anti-Gal-C antibody activities in these sera were inhibited specifically by the M. pneumoniae reagent. A rabbit anti-Gal-C antibody recognized several glycolipids in M. pneumoniae. These data show that a Gal-C-like structure is present in M. pneumoniae, indicative of molecular mimicry between a major myelin glycolipid, Gal-C, and M. pneumoniae.