New Insights into Antisynthetase Syndrome.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) is a rare autoimmune disorder.
• It is characterized by interstitial lung disease, dermatomyositis, and polymyositis.
• ASS is more prevalent in women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the classification of Antisynthetase syndrome.
• To highlight the role of autoantibodies in ASS.
• To detail the various types of antisynthetase antibodies (ASAb).

Main Methods:

• Review of recent developments in immunology.
• Classification of ASS based on myositis-specific autoantibodies.
• Identification of serum autoantibodies against aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.

Main Results:

• The hallmark of ASS is the presence of serum autoantibodies against aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (anti-ARS).
• ASS is caused by IgG antibodies targeting the enzyme synthase.
• Common ASAb include anti-histidyl (anti-Jo-1), anti-threonyl (anti-PL-7), and anti-alanyl (anti-PL-12).
• Anti-Jo-1 is the most frequent ASAb, found in 20-30% of polymyositis/dermatomyositis patients.

Conclusions:

• Antisynthetase syndrome classification has advanced with immunological insights.
• Autoantibodies against aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are key diagnostic markers for ASS.
• Understanding ASAb profiles aids in diagnosing and potentially managing this rare condition.