anticentromere

Anticentromere is a term used for autoantibodies directed against centromere-associated proteins in the chromosome centromere region. These antibodies are most commonly detected in autoimmune serology and are especially associated with the limited form of systemic sclerosis, often referred to as CREST syndrome.

The major target antigen for anticentromere antibodies is CENP-B, a centromere protein that binds to alpha-satellite DNA. Other centromere-related proteins, such as CENP-A and CENP-C, may also be recognized by anticentromere antibodies in some individuals. In the laboratory, anticentromere antibodies are frequently identified by a characteristic centromere pattern on indirect immunofluorescence, which shows discrete speckles at centromeres in metaphase chromosomes. Specific assays like ELISA or line immunoassays can determine antibodies against CENP-B and related components.

Clinically, anticentromere antibodies are most strongly associated with limited systemic sclerosis and the CREST spectrum, where they correlate with features such as calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia. They are less commonly found in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and do not reliably predict broader internal organ involvement. ACA can be present in other autoimmune diseases but with lower frequency and less clear prognostic significance.

Pathophysiology linking anticentromere antibodies to disease remains unclear; they are predominantly viewed as serologic markers used in disease classification and prognosis. Testing for anticentromere antibodies is part of autoimmune antibody panels in rheumatology and immunology.