Autoantibodies and Their Role in Scleroderma Clinical Care

Abstract

The importance of autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis (SSc) diagnosis and prognosis has been increasingly recognized. This review discusses the current knowledge of autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis (SSc) with respect to clinical care. We focus primarily on the SSc-associated serum autoantibodies and their recognized SSc clinical phenotypes or characteristics. Geographic regional differences in autoantibody prevalence are discussed. Potential pitfalls in commercially available autoantibody testing are considered. Finally, contemporary literature in regards to antibodies to functional molecules is reviewed.