Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) as Disease Activity Biomarkers in a “Personalized Medicine Approach” in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

AbstractPurpose of ReviewANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) are a group of rare diseases characterized by blood vessel inflammation and the presence of circulating anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies recognizing proteinase-3 (PR3) (PR3-ANCA) or myeloperoxidase (MPO), MPO-ANCA.Recent FindingsHistorically, ANCAs have been used as biomarkers for disease associations and increases of ANCA levels as predictors of relapse in patients with AAV.SummaryIn this review, we will summarize and highlight the most recent developments for using ANCA as predictive biomarkers and review some of the important disease-specific features in patients with AAV.
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research