Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease in which antibodies and immune cells attack the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system comprises all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, and is responsible for sending information to and from the brain to the body’s muscles – both skeletal and within organs. It also carries sensory information, like touch and pain. Damage to these nerves can cause muscle weakness or paralysis and sensations such as pins and needles. Since this disease can affect organs, those with Guillain-Barré syndrome must have their essential functions monitored closely, including heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory function.

The cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is unknown, although most cases generally occur after a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. For the vast majority of those with Guillain-Barré syndrome, the effects are only temporary and the patient will recover completely. A small percentage of patients, however, will experience permanent disabilities. While most people will recover naturally, there is currently no way to prevent Guillain-Barré syndrome or stop it from progressing. For more information about Guillain-Barré syndrome, visit 

Guillain-Barré syndrome research at Garvan

Our research into Guillain-Barré syndrome starts with understanding the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases and delves into more specific areas such as genetics and the role ofthe immune system’s B cells. We've determined the series of events that lead from an infection to developing an autoimmune disease – a process that was not understood before.

Using cutting-edge cellular genomic technology, we’re studying the ‘rogue cells’ that cause autoimmune diseases, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. This will allow us to investigate vulnerabilities in these cells that might make them susceptible to new drugs and immunotherapies. We are also studying how B cells develop antibodies in response to pathogens that have very similar cell-surface proteins to cells in humans. This will allow us to determine how these antibodies can be developed without causing an autoimmune response, and to compare this to how antibodies develop in Guillain-Barré syndrome.

An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.