MuSK Myasthenia Gravis-Potential Pathomechanisms and Treatment Directed against Specific Targets

Cells. 2024 Mar 21;13(6):556. doi: 10.3390/cells13060556.

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease in which autoantibodies target structures within the neuromuscular junction, affecting neuromuscular transmission. Muscle-specific tyrosine kinase receptor-associated MG (MuSK-MG) is a rare, often more severe, subtype of the disease with different pathogenesis and specific clinical features. It is characterized by a more severe clinical course, more frequent complications, and often inadequate response to treatment. Here, we review the current state of knowledge about potential pathomechanisms of the MuSK-MG and their therapeutic implications as well as ongoing research in this field, with reference to key points of immune-mediated processes involved in the background of myasthenia gravis.

Keywords: MuSK; autoimmune; myasthenia gravis; neuromuscular disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies
  • Humans
  • Myasthenia Gravis*
  • Neuromuscular Junction

Substances

  • Autoantibodies

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.