Thymus and Myasthenia Gravis: what can we learn from DNA microarrays?

This review is dedicated to John Newsom-Davis, who was an exceptional colleague and friend, always exchanging ideas with respect and consideration. We shall not forget his involvement and passion in search for the truth on the role of thymectomy in the management of Myasthenia Gravis (MG). In this short review, we shall summarize what we learnt from DNA microarrays applied to MG thymus.

The chemokine CXCL13 is a key molecule in autoimmune myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is associated with ectopic germinal centers in the thymus. Thymectomy and glucocorticoids are the main treatments but they induce operative risks and side effects, respectively. The aim of this study was to propose new therapies more efficient for MG.