Autoantibody detection using multiplex technologies

Measurement of multiple antibodies has been possible for years using labor-intensive methods such as counterimmunoelectrophoresis and radioimmunoprecipitation. Recently, simpler methods that are more practical for routine analysis, often described as multiplex technologies, have been introduced. One common technique, the line assay, uses nitrocellulose strips that are precoated at different locations with more than a dozen recombinant proteins or peptides. Detection of results may be performed visually or with scanning instrumentation. A second technique uses families of polystyrene beads that are dyed to establish a unique identity; each bead type is then coated with a specific affinity-purified or recombinant protein. Detection is performed by flow cytometry. There have been multiple descriptions of the use of these techniques for measuring antibodies associated with the antinuclear antibody screen. More recent reports describe applications to antibodies associated with hypothyroidism, ANCA, anti-phospholipid syndrome, and celiac disease. This review summarizes the work that has been performed to date and examines the potential benefits of multiplexing to both the laboratory and the physician.