Anti-DFS70 antibodies: an update on our current understanding and their clinical usefulness.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Anti-DFS70 antibodies and their clinical associations remain an immunological paradox. Unlike other antinuclear antibodies (ANA), there is a growing body of evidence that anti-DFS70 antibodies, when present in high titers and in isolation (without accompanying other antibodies), are useful to aid in the exclusion of ANA associated rheumatic diseases. Areas covered This review aims to analyze and interpret the current published knowledge and recent findings to provide guidance in the use of anti-DFS70 antibodies to analyze associations of this unique autoantibody. Expert commentary Although the association of anti-DFS70 antibodies is still unknown, their use as a biomarker that can aid in the exclusion of ANA related diseases is well-established.