[Antinuclear antibodies and disease specificity]

In this review article, the serum antinuclear autoantibody types which are characteristic especially for rheumatic diseases (ANAs, Anti-ss/ds DNA, Anti-sm, Anti-histone, Anti-RNP, Anti-Ro, Anti-La etc.) were discussed on the basis of their biologic properties, their major role in the diagnosis and monitoring disease activity and response to therapy as well as disease specificity.