Anti-nuclear antibody

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Anti-nuclear antibody

Anti-nuclear antibody (pronounced: an-tee-NOO-klee-er AN-ti-bod-ee), often abbreviated as ANA, is a type of antibody that is directed against the cell nucleus.

Etymology

The term "anti-nuclear antibody" is derived from the English language. "Anti-" is a prefix meaning against, "nuclear" refers to the nucleus of a cell, and "antibody" is a type of protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances.

Definition

Anti-nuclear antibodies are autoantibodies that bind to contents of the cell nucleus. In normal conditions, the immune system produces antibodies to fight off foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria. However, in certain autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly produces anti-nuclear antibodies that target the body's own cells.

Related Terms

  • Autoantibody: An antibody produced by the immune system that is directed against one or more of the individual's own proteins.
  • Autoimmune disease: A condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body.
  • Cell nucleus: A membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's chromosomes.
  • Antibody: A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.

Clinical Significance

The presence of ANAs in a patient's blood can indicate an autoimmune disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. However, ANAs can also be present in people without any autoimmune disease. Therefore, ANA tests are used in conjunction with other tests and physical examination findings to diagnose autoimmune diseases.

See Also

External links

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