Antisyntetaasijärjestelmä

Antisyntetaasijärjestelmä refers to a group of autoantibodies that target aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. These enzymes are essential for protein synthesis, as they attach specific amino acids to their corresponding transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules. In individuals with certain autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies against these vital enzymes. The presence of antisynthetase antibodies is a hallmark of antisynthetase syndrome, a rare and complex autoimmune disorder.

Antisynthetase syndrome is characterized by a triad of symptoms: interstitial lung disease, inflammatory myopathy, and the presence of antisynthetase antibodies in the blood. Other potential symptoms can include arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, and fever. The specific type of antisynthetase antibody can sometimes correlate with certain clinical manifestations. For example, anti-Jo-1 antibodies are the most common and are often associated with a more severe lung disease. Other antisynthetase antibodies include anti-PL-7, anti-PL-12, anti-EJ, and anti-OJ.

Diagnosis of antisynthetase syndrome relies on a combination of clinical findings, muscle enzyme levels, imaging studies of the lungs, and serological testing for specific antisynthetase antibodies. Treatment typically involves immunosuppressive medications, such as corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, to control the autoimmune response and manage symptoms. The prognosis can vary depending on the severity of organ involvement, particularly the extent of lung damage.