Researchers have identified a group of enzymes that can alleviate IgG-related disorders in conditions like myasthenia gravis (MG). Their study, which used mouse models, highlighted that a particular enzyme known as CU43, an endoglycosidase, shows significant effectiveness in managing diseases linked to excessive antibody activity.
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a long-lasting autoimmune condition where antibodies disrupt the communication between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness. This illness can result in symptoms such as double vision, trouble swallowing, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties. Many autoimmune disorders, including MG, stem from the improper regulation of IgG antibodies; collectively, these issues are termed IgG-mediated pathologies.
In a recent study published in Cell, scientists from Emory University uncovered a set of enzymes that help mitigate IgG-related diseases such as MG. Their research using mouse models revealed that the enzyme CU43 is particularly potent in addressing diseases linked to excessive antibody activity.
“Human antibodies play a crucial role in defending against infections and diseases, yet they can also trigger illnesses, including autoimmune disorders,” explains Eric Sundberg, the lead investigator and a biochemistry researcher at Emory University’s School of Medicine. “The enzymes we found can alter antibodies so that they stop causing harm.”
A more effective treatment option
The newly identified enzyme was tested on various IgG-related disorders in mice, demonstrating remarkable efficacy. When compared to existing medications for MG, CU43 proved to be significantly more effective in alleviating symptoms, requiring just a fraction — 4,000 times less — of the enzyme to achieve comparable biological effects. For patients, this means potentially fewer side effects and more flexible administration routes for the treatment.
“The power of this enzyme compared to current autoimmune disease therapies is striking, making it a candidate for further development to treat this significant category of diseases,” remarks Dr. Jeffrey Ravetch, a collaborator and co-author on the research, who is also an immunologist at The Rockefeller University.
“We aspire to quickly translate these encouraging findings from mice to human clinical trials,” states Sundberg, who is also the chair of the Department of Biochemistry at Emory. “This enzyme could have the potential to treat a broad spectrum of autoimmune conditions and other IgG-related disorders.”
