IVIg inhibits classical pathway activity and anti-GM1 IgM-mediated complement deposition in MMN

Abstract The effects of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) on anti-GM1 IgM titer and function, classical complement pathway activity, and antibody–complement interaction were investigated in 62 patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). In vitro, IVIg decreased complement deposition by anti-GM1 IgM antibodies. First IVIg treatment (2 g/kg) decreased C1q and C4 concentrations and classical pathway activity in serum. In sera from patients receiving IVIg maintenance therapy (0.4 g/kg) C4 concentrations and classical pathway activity were generally lower at higher IgG concentrations. The beneficial effects of IVIg in MMN may be explained by reduced antibody-mediated complement deposition in nerves amplified by a systemically attenuated classical pathway.