Synthetic sulfated glucuronosyl paragloboside (SGPG) and its use for the detection of autoimmune peripheral neuropathies

The sulfated glucuronosyl paragloboside SO4-3-GlcA(β1-3)Gal-(β1-4)GlcNAc(β1-3)Gal-(β1-4)Glcβ(1-1′)Cer (SGPG) is a specific constituent of the peripheral nervous system involved in human dysimmune neuropathies. Although it is highly immunogenic in human pathology, it is not a major constituent of peripheral nerve in humans. Pure SGPG is very difficult to obtain from natural sources, but is needed for the design of efficient and reproducible immunoassays. We describe a new chemical synthesis of this important glycolipid with a stearic tail, including its complete characterization by mass spectrometry and its use in the detection of autoimmune neuropathies.