Autoantibodies in chronic non-infectious respiratory diseases: a scoping review

We performed a scoping review assessing autoantibodies across chronic non-infectious respiratory diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, asthma, bronchiectasis, sarcoidosis, and silicosis. Databases were searched for case-control and cohort studies investigating autoantibodies in the context of these respiratory diseases from inception to 13 September 2024. Of 5157 records identified, 79 studies were included, including three studies identified through citation review. Overall, few studies employed systematic, unbiased investigation of autoantibodies with most taking a predefined targeted approach. There was limited evidence in the literature of studies that also included functional validation of their findings. Despite statistical correlations between specific autoantibodies and certain respiratory diseases compared to healthy controls, the clinical relevance of many novel autoantibodies remains uncertain beyond a small number already utilized in standard clinical practice. This highlights a major gap in current understanding and priority areas for future research for endotyping by autoantibodies. This review summarises the current state of evidence on autoantibodies across chronic non-infectious respiratory diseases.