Autoantikörperprofilen

Autoantikörperprofilen, also known as autoantibody profiling, is a diagnostic technique used in medicine to detect and quantify specific autoantibodies in a person's blood serum. Autoantibodies are antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly target and attack the body's own tissues and cells. The presence and levels of certain autoantibodies can indicate the presence of autoimmune diseases.

The process of autoantibody profiling typically involves analyzing a blood sample using various laboratory methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, immunofluorescence, or multiplex assays. These techniques allow for the identification of antibodies against specific cellular components like nuclear antigens, cytoplasmic antigens, or cell surface receptors. For example, anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are a common marker for connective tissue diseases like lupus, while anti-thyroid antibodies can suggest autoimmune thyroiditis.

Interpreting autoantibody profiles requires careful consideration of the patient's clinical symptoms and other diagnostic findings. A positive result for a specific autoantibody does not always confirm a diagnosis, as some individuals may have low levels of autoantibodies without experiencing disease. However, when combined with clinical evidence, autoantibody profiling plays a crucial role in diagnosing, classifying, and monitoring the progression of a wide range of autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and celiac disease. It can also help predict disease activity and response to treatment.