Anti-Sm

Anti-Sm is a type of autoantibody that is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is one of the antinuclear antibodies and it targets proteins in the cell nucleus.

Discovery

The Anti-Sm antibody was first discovered in the 1960s in patients with SLE. The name "Sm" comes from the initials of the patient, Stephanie Smith, in whom the antibody was first identified.

Clinical significance

Anti-Sm antibodies are highly specific for SLE and are present in approximately 30% of SLE patients. The presence of Anti-Sm antibodies is one of the 11 criteria used for the diagnosis of SLE according to the American College of Rheumatology.

Pathogenesis

The exact role of Anti-Sm antibodies in the pathogenesis of SLE is not fully understood. However, it is believed that these antibodies may contribute to the disease process by forming immune complexes that deposit in tissues, leading to inflammation and damage.

Testing

Testing for Anti-Sm antibodies is usually done as part of a panel of tests for antinuclear antibodies. This can be done using various methods, including indirect immunofluorescence, ELISA, and immunoprecipitation.

See also

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Autoantibody
• Antinuclear antibody

Anti-Sm Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia