Antilichaammarkers

Antilichaammarkers, often referred to as antibody markers, are specific proteins produced by the immune system that bind to antigens. They serve as a molecular signature of immune responses and are widely used in diagnostics, research, and therapeutic monitoring. The term is derived from the Dutch word “lichaam” (body), indicating its relevance to bodily immune reactions.

These markers can be classified by the type of antibody they represent—such as IgG, IgM, IgA—as well as by their target antigen. Common clinical applications include screening for autoimmune diseases, infections, and transplant rejection. For instance, anti–double-stranded DNA antibodies are diagnostic for systemic lupus erythematosus, while anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies are indicative of rheumatoid arthritis.

Detection techniques rely on immunoassays, most notably enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. High-throughput platforms and next‑generation sequencing are increasingly used to profile antibody repertoires and discover novel markers.

In research, antilichaammarkers help identify pathogenic autoantibodies, monitor immune status in vaccine trials, and guide personalized medicine approaches. Importantly, the specificity and sensitivity of these markers can vary, necessitating standardized protocols and quality controls. The study of antilichaammarkers continues to advance our understanding of immune mechanisms and supports the development of targeted diagnostics and treatments.