Prevalence of Genetic Mutations in Patients With Neuropathy Associated With Anti-Myelin-associated Glycoprotein (MAG) Antibodies

Anti-MAG (Myelin Associated Glycoprotein) neuropathy is related to clonal B lymphocyte proliferation producing an monoclonal immunoglobulin (IgM) with anti-MAG activity. IgM may be a reflection of malignant lymphoproliferative syndrome (Waldenström disease) or, more often, monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance.

The anti-MAG antibody has a direct toxicity on the myelin sheath of the peripheral nervous system responsible for a length-dependent demyelinating polyneuropathy. Clinically, this results in a sensitive, ataxic predominant polyneuropathy in the lower limbs, sometimes associated with a tremor of attitude and action tremor of the upper limbs.

Clonal B cells at the origin of IgM production may have acquired mutations affecting MYD88 (MYD88 L265P mutation) and CXCR4 (Whim-like CXCR4 mutation). The prevalence of the MYD88 L265P mutation is estimated to be 50% in monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance and more than 80% in Waldenström disease. CXCR4 Whim-like mutations are found in 40% of patients with Waldenström's disease.

No studies have reported the prevalence of these mutations in patients with anti-MAG neuropathies.