Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility (AGID)
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Autoimmune gastrointestinal dysmotility (AGID), understood as either idiopathic or paraneoplastic, is a limited subtype of autoimmune dysautonomia. Protheragen focuses on providing complete research services and drug development for rare gastrointestinal disorders, particularly AGID. We offer a fully integrated preclinical development service that aims to simplify the drug development processes from molecular discovery through to market conversion.
Autoimmune gastrointestinal dysmotility (AGID) is a rare subtype of autoimmune dysautonomia. Autoantibodies targeting the enteric nervous system cause AGID, which may impact the entire gastrointestinal tract. Individuals typically have different manifestations of AGID, such as low oral intake due to dysphagia, refractory abdominal distension, nausea and vomiting, and constipation. AGID epidemiological and prevalence data have yet to be determined because AGID is reported only in case series.
Fig.1 Current procedure for diagnosis and therapy of AGID. (Nakane, S., et al., 2021)AGID represents a diverse collection of disorders believed to stem from the aberrant functioning of the enteric nervous system (ENS). Various pathophysiological mechanisms of some gut motility disorders have been shown to involve some form of immune response.
In peripheral autonomic ganglia, neuronal acetylcholine receptors (gAChRs) are expressed by neurons in the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric ganglia. Many individuals with gastrointestinal motility disorders have been reported to have autoantibodies to gAChR, which are likely to cause autonomic failure by disrupting synaptic transmission in autonomic ganglia and hence aid in the autoimmune pathways of gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Fig.2 AGID and the affected areas of the gastrointestinal tract. (Nakane, S., et al., 2021)
| Drug Names | Mechanism of Action | Targets | Research Phase |
| Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) | For targeting both the humoral and the cellular parts of the autoimmune responses and reducing the ongoing damage to the enteric nervous system. | Autoantibodies | N/A |
| Methylprednisolone | It binds to the glucocorticoid receptor and prevents pro-inflammatory gene expression thereby exerting anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive action. | Glucocorticoid receptors | N/A |
| Pyridostigmine | Increases signaling of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction through the inhibition of cholinesterase. | AChE | N/A |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Gaining insight into the difficulties researchers and pharmaceutical companies encounter when attempting to formulate efficacious therapies for this multifaceted, immune-related condition showcases why we provide a fully integrated one-stop service to accelerate your groundbreaking initiatives from idea to commercialization. Our specialized multidisciplinary team offers advanced research services such as the design and construction of bespoke AGID disease models, biomarker identification, and novel therapeutic methods.
Animal models serve as an indispensable tool in understanding the pathophysiology of AGID as well as in testing possible therapy options. Our company has specialized services for the development of animal models that provide critical preclinical evaluation platforms to study AGID. These services help our partners understand the disease mechanisms, monitor the progression of the disease, and evaluate drug candidates.
Active Immunization Models
Animals are actively immunized with defined antigens derived from components of the ENS. Such as recombinant human neuronal AChR α3 subunit fusion protein induced model.
Passive Transfer Models
This model employs serum or purified immunoglobulins obtained from AGID-afflicted humans (or from immunized animals specifically to produce these antibodies) which are transferred to recipient animals.
Adoptive T-cell Transfer Models
Involves isolating autoreactive T cells from immunized animals and transferring these cells into recipients, such as the ovalbumin-specific CD8 T cell adoptive transfer model.
Moreover, Protheragen has specialized knowledge in the area of complete pharmacokinetic investigations and drug safety evaluations so as to guarantee that your therapeutic candidates not only show efficacy but also meet the rigorous standards required for success. Our firm is committed to progressing AGID research using novel approaches and unmatched technological skills. Reach out to us now and discover how we can transform your research ideas into reality through our all-in-one service.
Reference
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.