G-protein coupled receptor autoantibodies (GPCR-AAb)

G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) autoantibodies are functional immunoglobulins that specifically target and modulate the activity of GPCRs, the largest family of cell-surface receptors (Wallukat & Schimke, 2014). Unlike classic autoantibodies that lead to tissue destruction, GPCR autoantibodies often act as long-acting agonists or antagonists, pathologically altering intracellular signaling pathways (Heidecke et al., 2016). They play a significant role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including Graves' disease involving the TSH receptor and dilated cardiomyopathy involving the beta-1 adrenergic receptor (Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 2018). Recent research has also linked these autoantibodies to autonomic dysfunction in conditions such as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID (Loebel et al., 2014; Berlin Cures, 2024). Therapeutic interventions aim to neutralize these antibodies using specialized aptamers like BC 007 or remove them through immunoadsorption to restore physiological receptor function (Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2021). These antibodies serve as both pathogenic drivers and potential biomarkers for patient stratification in complex multi-systemic disorders.

Other names

Anti-GPCR antibodiesFunctional autoantibodies against GPCRsGPCR-AAbsAgonistic autoantibodiesAntagonistic autoantibodies

Therapeutic strategies involve the neutralization of circulating pathogenic autoantibodies using aptamers, the depletion of antibody-producing B-cells, or the physical removal of antibodies from the plasma via immunoadsorption or plasmapheresis.