ANTI-COLLAGEN ANTIBODIES

ABSTRACT Collagen is a triple-helical molecule, which functions as the major scaffold protein in tissues and participates in cell – matrix interactions. Its deposition in the extracellular compartment renders it a target for attack by autoantibodies in susceptible individuals. Several types of collagens have been described as the target recognized by autoantibodies in the different autoimmune diseases, and the clinical features of the ensuing disease reflect the organ-location of the specific collagen. Collagens which are involved in autoimmunity include types I, II, III (e.g. adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthirits), type IV (Goodpasture's syndrome), types VII and XVIII (immunobulous diseases) and type XIII (Grave's disease). In some cases, the causative role of antibodies has been clearly established in animal models. In everyday clinical practice, identification of anti-collagen antibodies in the appropriate setting may help the clinician in establishing an accurate diagnosis and occasionally in predicting the prognosis.