MPOvastaaineisiin
MPOvastaaineisiin refers to antibodies directed against MPO, or myeloperoxidase. Myeloperoxidase is an enzyme primarily found in neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. It plays a crucial role in the innate immune system by generating hypochlorous acid, a potent antimicrobial agent. The presence of MPO-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (MPO-ANCA) in the blood is a significant diagnostic marker. These antibodies are strongly associated with a group of systemic autoimmune diseases known as ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV).
The detection of MPO-ANCA is essential for diagnosing and classifying certain forms of vasculitis, particularly microscopic