Clinical Report: Anti-CD146 Linked to Silica in Systemic Sclerosis
Overview
This study identifies anti-CD146 autoantibodies as a potential biomarker for systemic sclerosis (SSc) associated with occupational silica exposure. In a cohort of 93 SSc patients, 15% tested positive for these autoantibodies, suggesting a link between occupational exposure and disease manifestation.
Background
Systemic sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular abnormalities, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Identifying biomarkers associated with occupational exposures can enhance understanding of disease pathogenesis and improve diagnostic and management strategies. The discovery of anti-CD146 autoantibodies as a potential marker for silica exposure represents a significant advancement in this area.
Data Highlights
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Patients with anti-CD146 positivity | 15% (14/93) |
| Healthy blood donors with anti-CD146 positivity | 5% (2/40) |
| Sensitivity for occupational exposure | 57% |
| Specificity for occupational exposure | 88% |
| Silica exposure in antibody-positive patients | 29% (4/14) |
| Silica exposure in antibody-negative patients | 4% (3/79) |
Key Findings
- 15% of systemic sclerosis patients tested positive for anti-CD146 autoantibodies.
- Anti-CD146 positivity was associated with male sex and occupational exposure, primarily to crystalline silica.
- 57% sensitivity and 88% specificity for occupational exposure were observed in the cohort.
- 29% of antibody-positive patients had silica exposure compared to 4% of antibody-negative patients.
- Anti-CD146 was not associated with disease severity or treatment exposure.
Clinical Implications
The identification of anti-CD146 autoantibodies as a biomarker for silica exposure in systemic sclerosis may aid in early diagnosis and management of the disease in occupational settings. Clinicians should consider occupational history when evaluating patients with systemic sclerosis.
Conclusion
This study underscores the potential role of anti-CD146 autoantibodies in linking systemic sclerosis to occupational silica exposure, paving the way for further research and improved clinical practices.
References
- Bermudez J., ACR Open Rheumatology, 2023 -- Anti-CD146 Autoantibodies: The First Biologic Markers Associated With Occupational Exposure in Systemic Sclerosis
- Clinical Rheumatology, 2024 -- Biomarkers Indicating Pathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Therapeutic Strategies in Systemic Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Review
- Clinical Rheumatology, 2025 -- The Role of CAR-T Cell Therapy in Systemic Sclerosis Management
- Clinical Rheumatology, 2023 -- Clinical Features of Systemic Sclerosis in Patients with Occupational Silicosis
- ERS/EULAR clinical practice guidelines for connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease, 2024
- Nintedanib for Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease, 2023
- Clinical Rheumatology — Short report: Reduced levels of CD244 (SLAMF4) on monocytes and platelets in individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus
- ERS/EULAR clinical practice guidelines for connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease developed by the task force for connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) Endorsed by the European Reference Network on rare respiratory diseases (ERN-LUNG) - ScienceDirect
- Nintedanib for Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease - PubMed
- Anti‐CD146 Autoantibodies: The First Biologic Markers Associated With Occupational Exposure in Systemic Sclerosis - PMC
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