Autoantibody-Based Diagnostic Biomarkers: Technological Approaches to Discovery and Validation

Abstract

Autoantibodies produced against self-antigens, or 'autoantigens', result from a loss of selftolerance triggered by genetic and/or environmental factors which induce the immune system to attack the host's own cells, resulting in a condition referred to as autoimmunity. In classic autoimmune diseases, it is well established that the pathology relates directly to the autoantibodies. However, it is increasingly recognised that autoantibodies are also found in many other disease areas, including cancers, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well infectious diseases such as malaria, albeit in such diseases it is unclear whether the autoantibodies play a direct role in the pathology or whether they are merely symptomatic of disease. Irrespective of whether they are causative or symptomatic of specific diseases though, there is increasing interest globally in exploring the clinical potential of circulating autoantibodies as diagnostic biomarkers. This chapter provides an overview of the diagnostic utility of autoantibody biomarkers in a range of disease areas and discusses their potential utility in disease staging, treatment monitoring and in prediction of immune-related adverse events. It also provides an overview of traditional and contemporary technological approaches to autoantibody biomarker discovery and validation, focusing on protein microarrays that are ideally suited to this important area of research.

Simultaneous detection and quantification of DNA and protein biomarkers in spectrum of cardiovascular diseases in a microfluidic microbead chip

“…Conventional detection methods of biomarkers are single detection by immunoassay (membrane or chip based) or qPCR [31, 32]. Growing attention is paid to the role of autoantibodies in CVD [11, 33]. We have developed a model system, to simultaneously measure and quantify protein and DNA biomarkers in a microfluidic microbead chip.…”

A scoping review of autoantibodies as biomarkers for canine autoimmune disease

“…Furthermore, using multiple detection techniques to discover autoantibodies can improve results. 167 , 168 …”

Aptamers against Immunoglobulins: Design, Selection and Bioanalytical Applications

“…IgD is a membrane bound antibody and plays a major role in cell activation regulatory, however its processes are not totally understood. IgE is related to allergic reactions, although its concentration is negligible compared to the IgG, thereby its diagnostic application might be difficult [33].…”

“…In the case of Sjorgen's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and cancer, autoantibodies can be early stage biomarkers, since they can be detected many years before the expression of symptoms. Based on the specificity and the concentration of autoantibodies prognosis, disease staging and treatment monitoring can be performed [33].…”