Autoantigen characterization in liver/kidney microsome positive hepatitis

Dig Liver Dis. 2000 Jan-Feb;32(1):39-45. doi: 10.1016/s1590-8658(00)80043-2.

Abstract

Liver/kidney microsome autoantibodies are detectable in different forms of chronic hepatitis, namely autoimmune, viral, and drug-induced hepatitis and in hepatitis associated with Type 1 autoimmune polyglandular syndrome. Based on the aetiology of chronic hepatitis, liver/kidney microsome autoantibodies are directed against different enzymes with very little overlap. Thus, the simple Indirect Immunofluorescence test, which is universally used as a screening test to detect autoantibodies, does not allow subtyping of liver/kidney microsome autoantibodies. This brief review stresses the need to use methods such as Western-Blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay together with Indirect Immunofluorescence to characterize the liver/kidney microsome autoantibodies. Identification of the liver/kidney microsome target antigens, when possible, makes differential diagnosis easier and, at times, may help the clinician to choose the best approach to treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / analysis
  • Autoantigens / immunology*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Chronic Disease
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Hepatitis / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Kidney / immunology*
  • Microsomes, Liver / immunology*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoantigens