Moderator of 1 Session
Presenter of 2 Presentations
IS020 - A HISTORICAL JOURNEY OF AUTOANTIBODY PROFILING: FROM EARLY DAYS TO MODERN APPROACHES (ID 854)
Abstract
Abstract Body
Autoantibodies are important parameters in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. Since the discovery of the first autoantibodies, many researchers and laboratories aimed to measure multiple antibodies simultaneously which led to the invention of several unique methods. During early days, countelectrophoresis became a popular tool followed by the introduction of westernblots and line immunoassays. Later on, planar and particle-based arrays were developed and deployed for multi-analyte testing as an integral part of autoimmune research and diagnostics. Although it seems intuitive to test multiple antibodies simultaneously, multiplex assays are not without challenges and drawbacks which include the pre-test probability and reimbursement limitations as well as technical roadblocks. Consequently, fully automated, random access, single analyte tests were developed and deployed to autoantibody testing. Due to the need for patient stratification in autoimmune diseases, the demand for more efficient and highly reliable multi-analyte assays continues. Here we provide a historical journey and important aspects of autoantibody profiling as part of autoimmune research and diagnostics.
IS030 - BEYOND THE DIAGNOSIS: AUTOANTIBODIES AS VALUABLE TOOLS TO SUBSET PATIENTS WITH AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES (ID 879)
Abstract
Abstract Body
Although autoantibodies are known as important parameters in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, their value in patient stratification is less understood and utilized. However, there is ample and growing evidence that autoantibodies can aid in stratifying patients with autoimmune conditions in more homogenous subsets that will eventually lead to more tailored treatment approaches and patient outcomes. Scientific evidence is available that show utility of autoantibodies in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), myositis, systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Despite tremendous scientific progress, barriers for clinical implications persist including outdated classification criteria, the lack of education programs and regulatory constraints. This presentation summarizes some relevant aspects and aims to trigger future efforts to embrace the use of autoantibody-based stratification of patients for precision medicine.