Anti-SSA/Ro autoantibodies

Anti-SSA/Ro autoantibodies (pronunciation: an-tee-ess-ay/roh aw-toh-an-tee-bod-eez) are a type of autoantibody that are often found in various autoimmune diseases. The name "SSA/Ro" is derived from the initial discovery of these autoantibodies in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and the subsequent identification of the Ro antigen as their target.

Etymology

The term "Anti-SSA/Ro" is a combination of "anti-", a prefix from Greek meaning against, "SSA", an abbreviation for Sjögren's syndrome, and "Ro", the name of the antigen these autoantibodies target. The "/Ro" part of the name was added after the discovery of the Ro antigen.

Function and Clinical Significance

Anti-SSA/Ro autoantibodies target and bind to Ro antigens, which are proteins found within cells. This binding can trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

These autoantibodies are most commonly associated with Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They are also found in other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis.

In pregnant women, Anti-SSA/Ro autoantibodies can cross the placenta and cause neonatal lupus erythematosus, a condition that can lead to heart block in the fetus.

Detection

Anti-SSA/Ro autoantibodies can be detected in the blood using various laboratory tests, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Anti-SSA/Ro autoantibodies
Wikipedia's article - Anti-SSA/Ro autoantibodies

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Anti-SSA/Ro autoantibodies