Reference number: STC-PS-0861
Inventor(s): P. Atanassov; K. Konstantinov; G. Lopez; R. Rubin; R. Sitdikov
For more information, contact: Erin M. Beaumont (505-272-7912)
or Jovan Heusser, M.B.A. (505-272-7908)
Patent(s)
Application(s) pending
Background
Autoantibodies are a group of antibodies that mistakenly target and damage specific tissues or organs of the body. One or more autoantibodies may be produced by a person's immune system when it fails to distinguish between "self' and "non-self" proteins. Usually the immune system is able to discriminate by recognizing foreign substances and ignoring the body's own cells, yet not overreact to non-threatening substances such as foods, dust and pollen, or beneficial microorganisms. It creates antibodies only when it perceives what it has been exposed to a threat. When the immune system ceases to recognize one or more of the body's normal constituents as "self', it may produce autoantibodies that attack its own cells, tissues, and/or organs, causing inflammation and damage. The causes of this inappropriate action are varied and are not well understood, often resulting in a chronic autoimmune disease. Disorders due to systemic autoantibodies (affects multiple organs or systems) can be even more elusive.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), for example, is associated with significant morbidity and its early diagnosis is of significant clinical importance. Among the laboratory assays used for the diagnosis of SLE, the detection of anti-double stranded DNA antibodies (anti-DNA or anti-chromatin antibodies) is regarded as highly specific. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most diverse of the autoimmune diseases and it is characterized by the production of multiple autoantibodies to autoantigens. A single autoantibody test is not diagnostic, but it adds weight to the doctor's determination as to whether a particular autoimmune disorder is likely or unlikely to be present. Each autoantibody result should be considered individually and as part of the group. Only multiplexed autoantibody assay will provide significant information about autoimmune diseases.
Technology
A simple, fast, selective and highly sensitive electrochemical immunoassay for detection of autoantibodies in human and/or animal blood.
Applications/Advantages
•Simpler, faster, and more sensitive assay for autoantibodies
•Reduces nonspecific interaction/adsorption phenomenon
•Allows for multiplexed immunoassay of autoantibodies
•Total time for one assay of 8 samples may be as little as 20 minutes
•Eliminates the need for spectrophotometer reading
