FcRn inhibitors: a novel option for the treatment of myasthenia gravis

Neural Regen Res. 2023 Aug;18(8):1637-1644. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.363824.

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is an acquired, humoral immunity-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies that impair synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction. The intervention-mediated clearance of immunoglobulin G (IgG) was shown to be effective in controlling the progression of the disease. The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) plays a key role in prolonging the serum half-life of IgG. Antagonizing FcRn to prevent its binding to IgG can accelerate the catabolism of the latter, resulting in decreased levels of IgG, including pathogenic autoantibodies, thereby achieving a therapeutic effect. In this review, we detail the substantial research progress, both basic and clinical, relating to the use of FcRn inhibitors in the treatment of myasthenia gravis.

Keywords: FcRn; FcRn inhibitors; batoclimab; clinical trial; efgartigimod; immunoglobulin G (IgG); myasthenia gravis; nipocalimab; rozanolixizumab.

Publication types

  • Review