What Causes Myasthenia Gravis?
MG results from antibodies—proteins produced by the immune system—mistakenly targeting acetylcholine receptors. These receptors are essential for transmitting nerve signals that prompt muscle contraction. The most common antibodies involved are:
- Acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR)
- In some cases, antibodies target muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), a protein on the muscle membrane
Both types interfere with nerve-to-muscle communication, leading to progressive muscle weakness.
