Immunotherapy in autoimmune neuromuscular disorders.

Abstract

Important progress has been made in our understanding of the cellular and molecular processes underlying autoimmune neuromuscular diseases that has led us to identify targets for rational therapeutic intervention. Although antigen-specific immunotherapy is not yet available, old and new immunomodulatory treatments, alone or in combination, provide effective immunotherapy for most autoimmune disorders. In parallel, the achievements of molecular medicine provide more specific yet largely experimental therapeutic tools that need to be tested in the human diseases. Here we review the principles and targets of immunotherapy for autoimmune neuromuscular disorders, address applications and practical guidelines, and give an outlook on future developments.