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

The authors previously reported the presence of antibody against galactocer ebroside (Gal-C) in sera from patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome subsequ ent to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Anti-Gal-C antibody activities in t hese sera were inhibited specifically by the M. pneumoniae reagent. A rabbi t anti-Gal-C antibody recognized several glycolipids in M. pneumoniae. Thes e data show that a Gal-C-like structure is present in M. pneumoniae, indica tive of molecular mimicry between a major myelin glycolipid, Gal-C, and M. pneumoniae.