Biomarkers in IgG4-related disease: A systematic review

ImmunoglobulinG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently recognized disease and, as such, there is a pressing need to identify biomarkers for diagnosis, monitoring disease activity, and predicting prognosis and response to therapy. Here, we review the recent development and identification of biomarkers for IgG4-RD.

Through extensive literature review and analysis, we updated the biomarkers for IgG4-RD and further put forward our own viewpoints.

In addition to traditional biomarkers, such as serum IgG4 concentration and typical histological characteristics, several novel indicators, including IgG2, serum soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL2R), and cc-chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18), indicate inflammation and fibrosis and can be used to accurately diagnose and predict treatment response. Studies to identify target autoantigens in IgG4-RD have shed light on the unmet need for biomarkers that can identify this disorder. Additionally, both serological and histopathologic immune cells involved in antigen-induced responses, innate immune cells (macrophages, mast cells, and the I-IFN/ IL-33 pathway), as well as subsequent acquired immune cells (T and B cell subsets), may also serve as new biomarkers for IgG4-RD. Since IgG4-RD often clinically manifests with multiple organs involvement, non-invasive PET-CT can improve diagnosis and antidiastole levels.

These novel biomarkers provide information to help diagnose IgG4-RD, monitor disease activity, as well as predict prognosis and response to therapy.