Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli, Giorgina Mieli-Vergani, Diego Vergani
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引用次数: 17
Abstract
Circulating autoantibodies are a key diagnostic tool in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), being positive in 95% of the cases if tested according to dedicated guidelines issued by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. They also allow the distinction between type 1 AIH, characterized by positive anti-nuclear and/or anti-smooth muscle antibody, and type 2 AIH, characterized by positive anti-liver kidney microsomal type 1 and/or anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibody. Anti-soluble liver antigen is the only AIH-specific autoantibody, and is found in 20-30% of both type 1 and type 2 AIH. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody is frequently positive in type 1 AIH, being associated also with inflammatory bowel disease and with primary/autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis. The reference method for autoantibody testing remains indirect immunofluorescence on triple tissue (rodent liver, kidney and stomach), allowing both the detection of the majority of liver-relevant reactivities, including those autoantibodies whose molecular target antigens are unknown. Of note, the current knowledge of the clinical significance of autoantibodies relies on studies based on this technique. However, immunofluorescence requires trained laboratory personnel, is observer-dependent, and lacks standardization, leading to ongoing attempts at replacing this method with automated assays, the sensitivity, and specificity of which, however, require further studies before they can be used as a reliable alternative to immunofluorescence; currently, they may be used as complementary to immunofluorescence.
期刊介绍:
Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology is a scholarly journal that focuses on the advancement of clinical management in allergic and immunologic diseases. The journal publishes both scholarly reviews and experimental papers that address the current state of managing these diseases, placing new data into perspective. Each issue of the journal is dedicated to a specific theme of critical importance to allergists and immunologists, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter for a wide readership.
The journal is particularly helpful in explaining how novel data impacts clinical management, along with advancements such as standardized protocols for allergy skin testing and challenge procedures, as well as improved understanding of cell biology. Ultimately, the journal aims to contribute to the improvement of care and management for patients with immune-mediated diseases.