Autoantistoffer

Autoantistoffer are antibodies produced by the immune system that recognize and bind to the body’s own tissues and molecules. They are a subset of antibodies known as autoantibodies. In healthy individuals, autoantistoffer can be present at low levels without causing symptoms, but higher titres or specific patterns are often associated with autoimmune diseases. Autoantistoffer can target nuclear, cytoplasmic, or cell membrane components, as well as extracellular matrix proteins and enzymes.

Most autoantistoffer arise when immune tolerance to self-antigens breaks down, a process influenced by genetic predisposition (for example certain HLA genes) and environmental triggers such as infections, medications, or tissue injury. Some autoantistoffer contribute directly to tissue damage by blocking normal protein function, forming immune complexes, or recruiting inflammatory cells; others serve primarily as biomarkers indicating an autoimmune response without causing major injury themselves.

Clinical use and testing: detecting autoantistoffer helps diagnose autoimmune diseases, assess prognosis, and monitor treatment. Laboratory methods include indirect immunofluorescence to identify patterns (such as ANA patterns) and targeted assays like ELISA, immunoblot, or multiplex platforms to identify specific autoantistoffer (for example anti-dsDNA, anti-Smith, anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La, anti-CCP, anti-TPO). Results are interpreted in the context of symptoms, imaging, and other laboratory findings.

Limitations and interpretation: autoantistoffer can be present in healthy individuals, in other medical conditions, or at low levels in aging. False positives, cross-reactivity, and assay variability can affect results. Therefore the detection of autoantistoffer is usually one element of a broader clinical assessment rather than a definitive diagnosis on its own.