Further large-scale validation of axSpA biomarkers using a clinically applicable peptide-ELISA (R-10839)

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a rheumatic disease, predominantly characterized by inflammatory back pain, due to chronic inflammation of spinal and sacroiliac joints. Diagnosis of axSpA is challenging since clinical manifestations often overlap with other disorders and an appropriate serological test is still lacking. Despite being considered a "seronegative" disease, emerging evidence supports the involvement of antibodies in axSpA. Previously we discovered new axSpA-induced autoantibodies, which could provide a novel tool for objective diagnosis of a subset of axSpA patients. This project aims at the further validation of the novel Hasselt University(UH)-axSpA antibody biomarkers in an independent cohort using a clinically applicable peptide-ELISA.

Keywords:biomarker

Disciplines:Adaptive immunology, Autoimmunity