Autoantibodies are present in many autoimmune disorders, including
diseases impacting the
peripheral nerve, neuromuscular junction, and muscle. Some of these
autoantibodies play a vital role
in pathogenesis, whereas others are unlikely to be directly
pathogenic, but may be useful biomarkers.
The identification of autoantibodies is valuable in diagnosis, as
well as in establishing a treatment plan
in antibody-mediated neuromuscular disorders. This review briefly
summarizes antibody, autoantibody,
and methods of autoantibody testing for clinicians who treat
patients with neuromuscular disorders.