Immunological aspects of markers of joint disease

There is considerable potential for using immunological methods to detect and quantify markers of joint disease in man and animal models. These markers usually result from increased matrix turnover as the disease develops, and fall into several categories. Anabolic markers are those that specifically recognize epitopes in macromolecules that are newly synthesized in the cells' initial response to repair and remodel the tissue in the early stages of the disease. Catabolic markers are those that result from degradation of preexisting matrix as the disease progresses. At present, this laboratory has available a large panel of well characterized monoclonal antibodies directed against proteoglycan epitopes that can be used to detect both anabolic and catabolic markers of joint disease. Development of immunoassay procedures to both monitor the progression of joint disease and the effect of therapeutic intervention will occur in the near future.