Update on autoantibodies to intracellular antigens in systemic rheumatic diseases

Autoantibodies to nuclear and intercellular antigens have been established as important diagnostic and specific markers for many of the systemic rheumatic diseases. Diseases that have demonstrated specific markers and profiles of autoantibodies include systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjörgren's syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, drug-induced lupus, and dermatomyositis/polymyositis. The study of molecular biology of the various autoantigens and autoantibodies has led to a better understanding of function and tissue pathogenesis. The clinical diagnostic significance of the various autoantigens and autoantibodies to nuclear and intracellular antigens is discussed in this article.