Bob Meek and Ger T. Rijkers * Pages 2863 - 2871 ( 9 )
Autoantibiodies against aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are found in patients suffering from a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Recent data indicate that these antibodies are directed against splice-variants of synthetase genes, the so-called catalytic nulls. Latter molecules have cytokine-like functions and are involved in the regulation of the activation of lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes. The potential role of anti-synthetase antibodies as a diagnostic tool and a target for therapeutic interventions is discussed.
Anti-synthetase, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, interstitial lung disease, aminoacyl-tRNA, inflammatory diseases.
Laboratory for Medical Microbiology and Immunology, St Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein, Middelburg, Laboratory for Medical Microbiology and Immunology, St Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein, Middelburg