[Diagnostic use of autoantibodies]

Hautarzt. 2007 Dec;58(12):1063-74; quiz 1075. doi: 10.1007/s00105-007-1432-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

In the field of dermatology, autoantibody diagnostics are relevant in bullous autoimmune and connective tissue diseases and in certain forms of systemic vasculopathy and psoriatic arthritis. Autoantibody diagnosis of bullous autoimmune skin diseases is an area of dermatology, while serodiagnosis of the other diseases is also performed in rheumatology or in large laboratory centers. Antibody diagnosis of bullous skin diseases is more targeted, as the localization, molecular structures, and function of the relevant epidermal or dermal autoantigens are now known to a large extent, and there are sound experimental indications of the pathogenetic role of these autoantibodies. In practical terms, it is important that some of these antibodies are not only used for the initial diagnosis but also to evaluate the course of the disease and the success of treatment. The autoantibody profile in patients with connective tissue disease may also be disease specific, whereas the pathogenetic significance of these autoantibodies, which are usually directed against nuclear and cytoplasmic components or membrane receptors, is still largely unknown. Autoantibody diagnosis is also important in practice in certain vascular diseases. The future will show whether the determination of antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides will become more important in diagnosing and following the course of psoriatic arthritis in practice.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / diagnosis
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / immunology
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / immunology
  • Dermis / immunology
  • Epidermis / immunology
  • Humans
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / immunology
  • Vasculitis / diagnosis
  • Vasculitis / immunology

Substances

  • Autoantibodies