Use of Mass Spectrometry to Assess Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV) 9010

Abstract Description Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA)-Associated Vasculitis (AAV) is a group of rare disorders characterised by the necrotising inflammation of small blood vessels. Patients may present with severe organ-threatening or life-threatening disease. The detection of Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA and Proteinase (PR3)-ANCA aids in the rapid diagnosis of AAV. Since the discovery of ANCA, inconsistencies in their measurement have presented problems in terms of monitoring disease severity, activity, and progression. Therefore, prediction of disease onset and flares remains suboptimal. Mass Spectrometry (MS) techniques are used routinely to quantify small molecules such as drugs of abuse in clinical biochemistry laboratories and the results of these are widely accepted by regulatory and official bodies. Whilst this technology is beginning to flourish for biomarker discovery, very few studies to date have used it in autoantibody investigations. This study aims to establish a MS technique that is novel within the setting of AAV. Using MPO and PR3 antigens coated to the surface of magnetic beads, to purify MPO- and PR3-ANCA from known AAV patient serum samples. A process known as immunoprecipitation. Eluates were then subjected to MALDI-ToF acquisition, and their presence and quantity analysed. Although only on a small scale, this feasibility study provided evidence that MS technology has the potential to reliably detect, quantify and standardise the measurement of MPO-ANCA and PR3-ANCA. Funding Sources Collaboration between the University of Manchester, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Binding Site (Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific) Supported by NHS England National School of Healthcare Science Topic Categories Technological Innovations in Immunology (TECH)