Clinical subsets associated with different anti-aminoacyl transfer RNA synthetase antibodies and their association with coexisting anti-Ro52

A Review of Antisynthetase Syndrome-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Our objective in this review article is to present a clinical case of a patient with antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS) and provide an overview of the pathogenesis, classification criteria, antibody profiles, clinical features, and current knowledge of treatment options, focusing on interstitial lung disease (ILD). ASyS is an uncommon autoimmune disease with a heterogenous clinical presentation characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase and manifested by myositis, fever, inflammatory arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, mechanics hands, and ILD. ASyS-associated ILD (ASyS-ILD) is the most serious complication of ASyS, which may evolve to rapidly progressive ILD; therefore, it often requires thorough clinical and radiologic evaluation including recognition of a specific clinical phenotype associated with the antisynthetase antibodies (ASAbs) to guide therapeutic interventions.

Dissociating Autoantibody Responses against Ro52 Antigen in Patients with Anti-Synthetase or Anti-MDA5 Antibodies

We aimed to dissociate the autoantibody response against the Ro52 protein in patients with anti-synthetase or anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibodies to explore the potential roles of different anti-Ro52 autoantibody responses in disease subclassification. This study used a single-center, prospective myositis cohort involving 122 consecutive patients with anti-synthetase antibodies identified by RNA immunoprecipitation (RNA-IP) and 34 patients with anti-MDA5 antibodies detected using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Anti-Ro52 antibodies were measured using commercial EIA kits, while anti-Ro/SSA antibodies were identified using RNA-IP. Clinical features and outcomes were stratified according to two different patterns of autoantibody responses against Ro52, including "isolated anti-Ro52", defined by positive anti-Ro52 and negative anti-Ro/SSA antibodies, and "anti-SSA-Ro52", defined by positive anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro/SSA antibodies. Isolated anti-Ro52 positivity was the most prevalent autoantibody response in patients with both anti-synthetase (40/122; 32.8%) and anti-MDA5 antibodies (8/34; 23.5%). Isolated anti-Ro52 or anti-SSA-Ro52 positivity was associated with Gottron's sign in patients with anti-synthetase antibodies, while in patients with anti-MDA5 antibodies, isolated anti-Ro52 positivity was associated with respiratory insufficiency at initial presentation and poor overall survival. Isolated anti-Ro52 positivity could be a potential biomarker for patient stratification; however, the clinical significance of dissociating isolated anti-Ro52 positivity from overall anti-Ro52 positivity was not evident.

Association of anti-Ro52 autoantibody with interstitial lung disease in autoimmune diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an important manifestation of autoimmune diseases that can lead to morbidity and mortality. Although several autoantibodies have been linked with ILD presentation and adverse outcomes, the association of anti-Ro52 antibody with ILD is less studied. Hence, we investigated this association in various autoimmune diseases in the current study.

DESIGN

We designed a systematic review and meta-analysis and did a comprehensive search from inception until 2 January 2023.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search was conducted in four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Observational studies that reported ILD diagnosis (outcome) and anti-Ro antibody (exposure) status in any autoimmune conditions (population) were included. The association between rapidly progressive ILD (RP-ILD) and anti-Ro52 was studied in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM).

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Collected data included study characteristics and ORs with 95% CIs. Quality assessment was performed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies. Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool the effect estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 2353 studies were identified, from which 59 articles met the eligibility criteria. Anti-Ro52/SSA positivity was associated with ILD in all autoimmune disease subgroups: IIM (OR=3.08; 95% CI: 2.18 to 4.35; p value<0.001; I2=49%), systemic lupus (OR=2.43; 95% CI: 1.02 to 5.79; p=0.046; I2=71%), Sjogren (OR=1.77; 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.87; p=0.021; I2=73%), systemic sclerosis (OR=1.71; 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.83; p=0.036; I2=43%), mixed connective tissue disease (OR=3.34; 95% CI: 1.82 to 6.13; p<0.001; I2=0%). Additionally, anti-Ro52-positive myopathy patients were more likely to have simultaneous RP-ILD (OR=2.69; 95% CI:1.50 to 4.83; p<0.001; I2=71%).

CONCLUSION

Anti-Ro52/SSA positivity is associated with a higher frequency of ILD diagnosis in various autoimmune diseases. Anti-Ro52/SSA is also linked with a more severe lung involvement (RP-ILD). Future studies can investigate the benefits of screening for anti-Ro52 and its association with ILD development.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022381447.

Ro52/TRIM21 - From host defense to autoimmunity

Ro52 (TRIM21) belongs to the ubiquitin ligase family. This protein plays a crucial role in many immunological processes, including antibody-dependent intracellular neutralization, synergy with the complement system, antiviral response, death mediation, oxidative stress response, and protein ubiquitination. Abnormal expression of TRIM21 can break immunological tolerance and lead to the production of autoantibodies against TRIM21. Antibodies against TRIM21 are detected in various autoimmune diseases, including Sjögren's syndrome (SS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or myositis. However, anti-TRIM21 presence is not limited to autoimmune connective tissue disorders. It was observed in patients with malignancies, various cancerous processes, infectious diseases, and idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. The occurrence of TRIM21 autoantibodies is also associated with clinical features, such as the prevalence of interstitial lung diseases and cardiac or haematological involvement in connective tissue disorders. The purpose of this review was to summarize current knowledge of the immunological functions of TRIM21 and analyze the clinical implications of anti-TRIM21 antibodies in the disease course.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy with positive anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase antibodies: A single center experience

OBJECTIVES

To identify the differences of clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and the long-term outcomes in patients with anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS) of different anti-aminoacyl-transfer RNA synthetase antibodies.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 119 patients with ASS, and the clinical characteristics and laboratory findings were collected. Additionally, multivariate COX regression analysis was performed to estimate the risk factors of prognosis in patients with ASS.

RESULTS

The frequency of interstitial lung disease (ILD) reached 93.3% in our cohort, of 28 (23.5%) was classified as rapidly progressive (RP)-ILD. The highest incidence of RP-ILD was 36.4% in the PL12 group of ASS patients. The ILD group was characterized by an older age, a lower prevalence of V sign, and a higher prevalence of pulmonary symptoms when contrasted with the non-ILD group. There were statistical differences of clinical significance in arthritis, myositis, mechanic's hands, triad, shawl sign, V sign, and Raynaud's phenomenon among the four subgroups (all p < .05). Additionally, the prevalence rates of arthritis, myositis, mechanic's hands, triad, and V sign in the anti-Jo1 antibody-positive group were significantly higher than anti-Jo1 antibody-negative patients with ASS (all p < .05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed mechanic's hands (odds ratio [OR] = 6.47, p < .001), anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) (OR = 2.13, p = .026), ILD (OR = 10.50, p < .001), and V sign (OR = 0.30, p = .007) were independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients with ASS. The incidences of RP-ILD, arthritis, myositis, triad, mechanic's hands, and shawl sign were more frequent in the anti-Ro52 antibody-positive group than the anti-Ro52 antibody-negative patients with ASS (all p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ASS accompanied with ILD are highly prevalent. Mechanic's hands, ANA, and ILD may be a potential biomarker for predicting a poor prognosis in patients with ASS. Additionally, the detection of the anti-Ro52 antibody provides valuable insights for managing and predicting disease progression and long-term outcomes.

Phenotypic Profiles Among 72 Caucasian and Afro-Caribbean Patients with Antisynthetase Syndrome Involving Anti-PL7 or Anti-PL12 Autoantibodies

OBJECTIVES

Antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS) is a rare autoimmune disease. We aimed to determine clinical, biological, radiological, and evolutive profiles of ASyS patients with anti-PL7 or anti-PL12 autoantibodies.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study that included adults with overt positivity for anti-PL7/anti-PL12 autoantibodies and at least one Connors' criterion.

RESULTS

Among 72 patients, 69% were women, 29 had anti-PL7 and 43 anti-PL12 autoantibodies, median age was 60.3 years, and median follow-up period was 52.2 months. At diagnosis, 76% of patients had interstitial lung disease, 61% had arthritis, 39% myositis, 25% Raynaud's phenomenon, 18% mechanic's hands, and 17% had fever. The most frequent pattern on initial chest computed tomography was non-specific interstitial pneumonia and 67% had fibrosis at last follow-up. During follow-up, 12 patients had pericardial effusion (18%), 19 had pulmonary hypertension (29%), 9 (12.5%) had neoplasms, and 14 (19%) died. Sixty-seven patients (93%) received at least one steroid or immunosuppressive drug. Patients with anti-PL12 autoantibodies were younger (p=0.01) and more frequently exhibited anti-SSA autoantibodies (p=0.01); patients with anti-PL7 autoantibodies had more severe weakness and higher maximum creatine kinase levels (p=0.03 and 0.04, respectively). Initial severe dyspnoea was more common in patients from the West Indies (p=0.009), with lower predicted values of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1s, and total lung capacity (p=0.01, p=0.02, p=0.01, respectively) contributing to a more severe 'respiratory' initial presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

The high mortality and significant numbers of cardiovascular events, neoplasms and lung fibrosis in anti-PL7/12 patients justify close monitoring and question addition of antifibrotic drugs.

Profile of specific and associated autoantibodies in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies in a Colombian population

Objectives

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are chronic, autoimmune diseases with several forms of presentation. Diagnosis is mostly clinical in our region. Our aim was to evaluate the autoantibody profile of patients with IIMs.

Methods

This study is a cross-sectional study with a prospective recollection of data, conducted between 2019–2021, in a single center in Cali, Colombia. Patients with a clinical diagnosis or suspicion of IIM were included. The presence of myositis-specific/associated antibodies was evaluated by immunoblotting in serum samples. Phenotypic characterization was performed.

Results

A total of 36 patients were included. The mean age was 50.6 (16.7) years, and 20 (55.6%) were female. Eighteen (50%) patients were seropositive, of which 11 (30.5%) presented one positive antibody, with anti-TIF1ɣbeing the most frequent (n = 4, 11.1%), followed by anti-Ro52 (n = 2, 5.6%). Seven patients (19.4%) showed >1 positive antibody. Dermatomyositis was the most frequent type of IIM in seropositive patients (n = 8, 44.4%), followed by anti-synthetase syndrome (n = 4, 22.2%). Weakness was symmetric and presented in the upper and lower extremities in 11 (61.1%) patients each. Both respiratory insufficiency and weight loss were seen in 7 (38.9%) patients, Gottron papules in six (33.3%) patients, and heliotrope rash, esophageal dysmotility, and myalgia in 5 (27.8%) patients. Pulmonary interstitial disease was seen in 4 (22.2%, with antibodies for anti-Ro52, anti-MDA5 + anti-Jo1 + anti-TIF1ɣ, anti-MDA5 + anti-SAE1 + anti-NXP2, and anti-cN1A + anti-Ro52) patients, and malignancy was seen in 2 (11.1%) patients (1 with anti-Mi2β and 1 with anti-TIF1ɣ + anti-Mi2α). In all, 7 (19.4%) patients required intensive care (2 seropositive, 1 with anti-PL7, 1 with anti-MDA5 + anti-Jo1 + anti-TIF1ɣ), and 1 (2.8%) (seronegative) patient died.

Conclusion

This study is the first study in the Southwest of Colombia that evaluates myositis-specific/associated antibodies in IIM. Half of the patients were seropositive. Anti-TIF1ɣwas the most frequent MSA and anti-Ro52 was the most frequent MAA. Several patients presented antibody combinations. Further studies are needed to fully associate phenotypes with antibodies.

Clinical characteristics of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias with anti-Ro52/tripartite motif-containing 21 antibodies

Antibodies to Ro52/tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21), referred to as anti-Ro52, are found in patients diagnosed with diverse systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease and associated with interstitial lung diseases. However, little is known about the clinical characteristics of anti-Ro52 in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs). We aimed to analyze the prevalence, co-existent autoantibodies, and clinical characteristics of anti-Ro52 in patients with IIP. The study enrolled 288 patients diagnosed with IIP. Clinical, laboratory and radiographic findings of IIP patients were compared between anti-Ro52 positives and negatives. Anti-Ro52 (20/288; 6.9%), anti-ARS (18/288; 6.3%), and anti-Ro60/SS-A (16/288; 5.6%) were the most common autoantibodies detected in IIP patients. Among 20 IIP patients who had anti-Ro52, anti-ARS was present in 8 (40%) patients. The criteria for interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) were significantly better fulfilled by patients with anti-Ro52 than those without (P = 0.001). Meeting serological domain (P < 0.001) and Raynaud’s phenomenon (P = 0.009) were significantly more common in the anti-Ro52-positive patients. Anti-Ro52-positive IIP patients have clinical features consistent with IPAF. Anti-Ro52 may have an important role in detecting the autoimmune phenotype in IIP patients.

Interstitial Lung Disease in Dermatomyositis Without Myositis-Specific and Myositis-Associated Autoantibodies: Study of a Series of 72 Patients From a Single Cohort

Objective

The clinical features of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and negative myositis autoantibodies had not been exactly demonstrated previously. This study aimed to describe and expand the phenotype of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in this cohort of patients.

Methods

A total of 1125 consecutive Chinese patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) between 2006 and 2020 were screened retrospectively. All proven cases of isolated ILD with both negative myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSA) and negative myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAA) were selected for inclusion. The clinical features and outcome among this group, MDA5⁺DM (DM patients with positive anti-MDA5 antibody) and ASS (patients with positive anti-aminoacyl tRNA synthetases antibodies were recorded and compared.

Results

Of 1125 IIM patients with an average follow-up of 6 years, 154 DM patients with negative MSA and MAA (MSA/MAA) were identified, with an ILD incidence of 46.8%. DM-ILD Patients with negative MSA/MAA presented younger age at onset (p<0.001), lower incidence of elevated CA153 (p=0.03) and fever (p=0.04)than those ILD patients with MDA5⁺DM and ASS.The estimated high-resolution computed tomography patterns of ILD showed non-specific interstitial pneumonia (66.6%), followed by organizing pneumonia in patients with negative MSA/MAA. OP pattern was more common in patients with MDA5⁺DM (69.7%), and the ratios of the OP (48.7%) and NSIP (51.3%) patterns were almost equal in patients with ASS. Of these DM-ILD patients with negative MSA/MAA, 25% developed rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD). Patients with RP-ILD had a shorter disease duration (p=0.002), higher percentage of positive ANA(p=0.01) and organizing pneumonia patterns (p=0.04), elevated CYFRA211(p=0.04) and decreased FiO2/PaO2 (p<0.001) than those with chronic progressive ILD. The incidence of OP pattern in RP-ILD patients with negative MSA/MAA was lower than in those RPILD patients with MDA5⁺ DM (75%) and ASS (89%) (p=0.006). The cumulative 5- and 10-year survival rates in the DM-ILD patients with negative MSA/MAA were 91% and 88%, respectively, during the long-term follow-up study. And they had more favorable survival rate compared with ILD patients with MDA5⁺DM and ASS (p<0.001). An independent prognostic factor was identified as decreased PaO2/FiO2 (hazard ratio, 0.97; p=0.004].

Conclusions

This study indicates DM-ILD patients with negative MSA/MAA had favorable long-term outcomes. Decreased baseline PaO2/FiO2 acted as an independent prognostic factor for this group of patients.

Association of anti-SARS-COV-2 vaccine with increased incidence of myositis-related anti-RNA-synthetases auto-antibodies

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 is a RNA virus that associates with heterogeneous clinical manifestations and complications. Auto-antibodies are identified in approximately 50% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Objectives

To determine the global incidence of myositis-related auto-antibodies (non Jo1-RNA synthetases: anti-PL7, anti-PL12, anti-EJ, anti-OJ and RNA-sensor: anti-MDA5) in our laboratory during COVID-19 pandemics, and to describe the clinical and laboratory features of these patients.

Study design

A retrospective study was performed from 2015 to 2021 in a cohort of 444 patients with suspected inflammatory myopathy. The incidence of positive results for the MSA was expressed as absolute value per year for the reference population. Immunoblot analysis, indirect immunofluorescence and HLA typing of 36 patients with positivity for MSAs were collected and analyzed.

Results

We observed MSA positive in 28 patients in 2020 and 36 patients in 2021, representing a mean increase of 6-fold respect to previous years since 2015 (range, 0 to 19). In 2020, the most common antibody detected was anti-MDA5 (68%). In contrast, in 2021 the most common antibodies were anti-PL7 and/or anti-PL12 (69%). All patients in 2021 with positive anti-synthetases were fully vaccinated, 4 had previous documented infection, with median time from vaccine to MSA positivity of 5 months. Eight out of 36 patients (22%) reported clinical onset after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and 6 out of 36 (17%) presented clinical and/or radiological worsening after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. All patients presented with a known human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1* allele associated with ASS. The most prevalent alleles identified were DRB1*03:01, DRB1*04, DRB1*11:01, corresponding to 70% (16/23) of our cohort.

Conclusions

Our preliminary data show an increased incidence of anti-synthetase antibodies during COVID-19 pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination associated to HLA DRB1* risk allele. Differential profiles of MSA specificities were observed: mainly against RNA-sensors in 2020 and against RNA-synthetases in 2021. Further studies are needed to support the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or vaccination and the occurrence of this autoimmune syndrome.

Clinical Characteristics and Management of Patients With Clinical Amyopathic Dermatomyositis: A Retrospective Study of 64 Patients at a Tertiary Dermatology Department

Background: Clinical amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) represents a subtype of 5–20% of patients with dermatomyositis (DM), which can be categorized into amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM) and hypomyopathic dermatomyositis (HDM). The characteristics of patients with CADM are still limited in English literature.

Objective: To investigate clinical features, cutaneous findings, diagnostic accuracy, and treatment regimen of CADM patients.

Methods: Sixty-four patients diagnosed with CADM at Peking Union Medical College Hospital by dermatologists were retrospectively analyzed. Data were recorded in the electronic database at each offline clinical consultation and directly extracted from medical records. 2017 EULAR/ACR criteria for idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) classification was used to identify and classify patients with CADM. Published studies were searched to extract relevant data of CADM patients.

Results: This cohort included 38 ADM patients and 26 HDM patients. 2017 EULAR/ACR criteria classified 67.2% of patients with CADM into probable or definite DM. Antimalarials were given to a majority of CADM patients (72.6%, n = 45). However, 68.8% (31 out of 45) required at least one aggressive agent combined with hydroxychloroquine due to insufficient response or side effects. The median of systemic treatments in HDM was significantly higher than ADM (p = 0.007). The number of ADM patients using antimalarials as monotherapy was significantly higher than that of HDM patients (p = 0.031), while the number of HDM patients receiving steroids combined with immunosuppressants was significantly higher (p = 0.025). The median of Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index (CDASI) score improvement was 11.5 and 10.5 for ADM and HDM after a median follow-up of 31.5 and 32.5 months, respectively. Six patients with normal muscle strength developed muscle weakness after a median of 10.5 months (IQR 9-13), and elevated inflammatory markers at initial visit might indicate their muscle weakness development.

Conclusions: 32.8% of patients may be overlooked using the three skin variables of 2017 EULAR/ACR criteria. The response rate to single hydroxychloroquine in our cohort was 68.8%. Detailed treatment modalities were different among ADM and HDM. Long-term monitoring for the development of myositis in patients with CADM, especially those with elevated inflammatory markers at initial visit, may be warranted.

Clinical profile and treatment outcomes in antisynthetase syndrome: a tertiary centre experience

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to describe the clinical profile and outcomes in patients with antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) from a tertiary care centre.

METHODS

The clinical data and investigations of all patients classified as ASS by Connors criteria over 5 years were recorded, and they were followed up prospectively. The median (interquartile range) was used for descriptive statistics. Clinical variables between the Jo-1 and non-Jo-1 groups and between patients with and without anti-Ro52 antibodies were compared using the χ2 test. Survival analysis was done using the log rank test.

RESULTS

The 28 patients (23 females) had a median age of 42.5 (34.8-52.3) years, with a disease duration of 1.75 (0.6-3.8) years at diagnosis, and had a follow-up of 2 (0.25-4.25) years. Seronegative arthritis was seen in 23 of 28 patients. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia was seen in 19 patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Antibodies to Jo-1 (n = 17) were more frequent than non-Jo-1 antibodies (n = 11; five anti-PL-12, four anti-PL-7 and two anti-EJ). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of myositis (P = 0.07) or ILD (P = 0.11) between groups. Anti-Ro52 antibodies were more frequently found in the non-Jo-1 group (P = 0.006, ϕ = 0.51). A partial or complete improvement with treatment was seen in three-quarters of the patients. Five patients succumbed to the illness. Better survival was seen in the Jo-1 group (P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The most typical presenting manifestation of ASS in our cohort was isolated seronegative arthritis. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia was the commonest ILD pattern. Patients with antibodies to Jo-1 had better survival compared with non-Jo-1. The non-Jo-1 aminoacyl-transfer RNA synthetases had a strong association with anti-Ro52 antibodies.

Myositis specific antibodies are associated with isolated anti-Ro-52 associated interstitial lung disease

OBJECTIVES

Anti-Ro-52 antibody positivity might be associated with the presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) among patients with autoimmune features. However, the clinical significance of isolated anti-Ro-52 positivity (i.e., the presence of anti-Ro52 antibodies but the absence of anti-Ro60 antibodies; anti-Ro52+-Ro60-) in patients with ILD is not clear.

METHODS

This is a prospective and observational study of Chinese ILD patients with isolated anti-Ro-52 positivity. According to their myositis-specific antibody (MSA) status, patients were split into groups, and their clinical and radiological features were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 158 enrolled patients with ILD and isolated anti-Ro-52 positivity (isolated anti-Ro-52-ILD), there were 130 patients with a positive MSA status and 28 patients with a negative MSA status. Anti-synthetase antibodies (ASAs) were found in 61.5% of patients with MSA+ ILD, and anti-melanoma differentiated-associated protein 5 (MDA-5) antibodies were found in the remaining 38.5% of patients. The anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) pattern was associated with ASA and anti-MDA-5 positivity (χ2=70.7, P < 0.001; Cramer's value 0.47, P < 0.001): ANA negativity was associated with anti-MDA-5 positivity, and cytoplasmic ANA positivity was associated with ASA positivity. There were statistically significant differences in the high-resolution CT patterns between patients with isolated anti-Ro-52 positivity with different MSA statuses (χ2=29.8, P < 0.001; Cramer's value 0.31, P < 0.001): OP pattern was more common in patients with anti-MDA-5 antibodies than in those without anti-MDA-5 antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with isolated anti-Ro-52-ILD showed high positivity of MSA. Isolated anti-Ro-52 positivity with cytoplasmic ANA positivity was strongly associated with ASA+-ILD, while ANA negativity was associated with anti-MDA-5+-ILD.

The relevance of anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies in patients with definite dermatomyositis

BACKGROUND

To assess the prevalence and clinical relevance of anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies in a representative sample of patients with definite dermatomyositis (DM).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study took place from 2005 to 2020 and assessed 118 adult patients from a tertiary center who were diagnosed with definite DM. A commercial kit was used to detect anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies.

RESULTS

The presence of anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies was observed in 10 out of 118 (8.5%) patients with definite DM. The following variables were comparable between individuals with and without anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies: age at diagnosis, sex, ethnicity, disease duration, follow-up period, recurrence rate, complete clinical response, death rate, and cancer incidence. There was no difference in clinical features between groups, except for an increased prevalence of "mechanic's hands," joint involvement, and lung disease, as well as a reduced occurrence of skin findings in patients positive for anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies. No anti-Jo-1-positive patients went into remission; they required greater use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-Jo-1 positivity was found in 8.5% of patients with definite DM. This autoantibody was associated with an antisynthetase syndrome phenotype and might predict clinical outcomes in patients with definite DM.

Interstitial lung disease is a major characteristic of anti-KS associated ant-synthetase syndrome

Background:

Anti-KS autoantibodies are rare myositis-specific autoantibodies that have been described to target asparaginyl-transfer RNA synthetase.

Methods:

Here, we review the published literature on critical issues concerning the detection of anti-KS antibodies and the clinical features associated with their presence.

Results:

Seven articles are reviewed, in all of which immunoprecipitation was employed for the detection of anti-KS antibodies. A total of 47 patients were included; the ratio of females to males was 1.9:1. In total, 46 (98%) of these patients had interstitial lung disease (ILD), which was the sole manifestation in half (50%) of them. Pulmonary pathology revealed 7 (27%) with usual interstitial pneumonia, and 16 (62%) with non-specific pneumonia. Arthritis was present in about one-quarter (26%) of patients, and the incidence of Raynaud’s phenomenon and mechanic’s hands was 19% and 32%, respectively. However, manifestations of myositis were rare (9%). In addition, three (11%) patients had malignant tumors. Most patients responded to glucocorticoid therapy.

Conclusions:

Identifying anti-KS in patients with ILD may be useful for treatment, but reliable practical detection is needed. Furthermore, clinicians need to be aware of the possible presence of anti-KS antibodies in patients with ILD, either isolated or in combination with myositis.

Auto-antibody evaluation in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and worse survival of patients with Ro52/TRIM21auto-antibody

Some patients with interstitial pneumonia (IP) have auto-antibodies, but do not fit the criteria for specific connective tissue diseases. Examination of auto-antibodies is recommended for diagnosis idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A prospective cohort study was performed in 285 patients with IP. Eleven auto-antibodies were assessed and patients were followed for 2 years. All 285 patients underwent the myositis panel test (MPT) for 11 auto-antibodies. Among them, 23.5% (67/285) of the patients had a positive MPT and 14.7% (42/285) had connective tissue diseases. Among the 49 MPT positive patients without connective tissue diseases, 29 patients (59.2%) were positive for Ro52, including 17 patients with Ro52 mono-positivity. Among interstitial pneumonia patients without connective tissue diseases, the Ro52 mono-positive patients showed worse at 2-years survival than those who were Ro52 negative (p = 0.022, HR = 5.88, 95% CI 1.29–26.75). Most of the Ro52 positive patients also showed a low titer of anti-nucleolar antibody. About 20% of IP patients had auto-antibodies detectable by the MPT, and Ro52 positive patients accounted for more than half of the MPT positive patients without connective tissue diseases. Detection of Ro52 auto-antibodies may be useful for assessing the risk of progression in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia patients without connective tissue diseases and a low anti-nucleolar antibody titer.

Antisynthetase syndrome: A distinct disease spectrum

The discovery of novel autoantibodies related to idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (collectively referred to as myositis) has not only advanced our understanding of the clinical, serological, and pathological correlation in the disease spectrum but also played a role in guiding management and prognosis. One group of the myositis-specific autoantibodies is anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (anti-ARS or anti-synthetase) which defines a syndrome with predominant interstitial lung disease, arthritis, and myositis. Autoantibodies to eight aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases have been identified with anti-Jo1 the most common in all of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Disease presentation and prognosis vary depending on which anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase antibody is present. In this review, we will discuss the clinical characteristics, overlap features with other autoimmune diseases, prognostic factors, and management of the antisynthetase syndrome.

Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis Exhibiting Positive HLA-B*07 and HLA-B*08: A Case Report

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is a rare cause of destructive inflammatory arthritis involving both small, as well as larger joints. We report the case of a 40-year-old Caucasian female with a family history of neoplasia who was referred to our service witha two-month history of inflammatory joint pain. On examination, the patient had inflammatory arthritis, mainly involving the peripheral joints, sacroiliac joint pain, and numerous papulonodular mucocutaneous lesions, including periungual “coral beads”. Imaging tests revealed erosive arthritis with synovitis and tenosynovitis, sacroiliac joint changes, as well as papulonodular mucosal lesions in the nasal vestibule, the oropharyngeal mucosa, and supraglottic larynx. She tested positive for HLA-B*07 (Human Leukocyte Antigen B*07) and HLA-B*08, ANA (antinuclear antibodies), RF (rheumatoid factor), anti-Ro52, anti-SSA/Ro, and anti-SSB/La antibodies. The skin biopsy was suggestive of MRH, showing a histiocyte infiltrate and frequent giant multinucleated cells. The patient exhibited favorable outcomes under Methotrexate, then Leflunomide. However, she displayed worsening clinical symptoms while under Azathioprine. To our knowledge, this is the first case of MRH to exhibit positive HLA-B*07 together with HLA-B*08. The rarity of MRH, its unknown etiology and polymorphic clinical presentation, as well as its potential neoplastic/paraneoplastic, and autoimmune nature demand extensive investigation.

Hierarchical cluster analysis of cytokine profiles reveals a cutaneous vasculitis-associated subgroup in dermatomyositis

OBJECTIVES

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with notable heterogeneity. The intent of this study was to explore the difference in cytokine profiles of different subsets in DM based on the disease activity and myositis-specific antibodies, and to identify the clinical phenotypes associated with different cytokine profiles.

METHODS

Serum levels of 34 cytokines were prospectively measured in 47 consecutive DM patients and healthy controls. Concentrations of the cytokines were compared between the active and stable groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the cytokines associated with DM disease activity. The cytokine profiles of anti-MDA5 and anti-TIF1γ subsets were compared, and the correlation analysis was performed between the elevated cytokines and clinical parameters in the two subsets. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to establish clinical-cytokine subgroups in DM.

RESULTS

Serum levels of MIP-1α, IP-10, IL-8, IL-1RA, MCP-1, GRO-α, and IL-22 were significantly higher in DM patients compared with healthy controls. IP-10, IL-6, IL-1RA, IFN-α, and MCP-1 were significantly elevated in the DM-active subset than the DM-stable subset. The combination of three cytokines (IP-10, IL-1RA, and MCP-1) had a better performance in differentiating between the active subset and the stable subset than the conventional inflammatory markers. SDF-1α, IP-10, IL-7, IL-17A, RANTES, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MIP-1β, IFN-α, MCP-1, GRO-α, and IL-1α were significantly higher in the anti-MDA5 subset than in the TIF1γ subset. Cluster analysis revealed a hypercytokinemic-vasculitis subgroup in patients with DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple cytokine signatures were depicted in different subsets of DM. A vasculitis-associated subgroup was firstly identified in DM with regards of cytokinome and deserves further mechanistic study. Key Points • The multivariate regression model of three cytokines (IP-10, IL-1RA, and MCP-1) could be a promising tool for distinguishing between the active and stable subset in DM. • Cytokine profiles of anti-MDA5-DM and anti-TIF1γ-DM were compared to identify the immunopathological differences between the two subsets. • Cluster analysis revealed a hypercytokinemic-vasculitis subgroup in patients with DM.

A new diagnostic algorithm for pattern-oriented autoantibody testing according to the ICAP nomenclature: A pilot study

The commercial tests currently available as second-level tests to detect ANA sub-specificities are generally used independently from the ANA immunofluorescence (IIF) pattern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the use of a customizable pattern-oriented antigenic panel by immunoblot (IB) using the International Consensus on ANA Patterns (ICAP) classification scheme, in order to introduce a novel and updated autoimmune diagnostic flowchart. 710 sera referred for routine ANA testing were selected on the basis of the ANA pattern according to the ICAP nomenclature (nuclear speckled AC-2,4,5; nucleolar AC-8,9,10,29; cytoplasmic speckled AC-18,19,20) and on an IIF titer ≥1:320. They were then assayed by three experimental IB assays using a panel of selected antigens. ICAP-oriented IB detected 515 antibody reactivities vs. 457 of traditional anti-ENA in the nuclear speckled pattern group, 108 vs. 28 in the nucleolar pattern group, and 43 vs. 34 in the cytoplasmic speckled pattern. This pilot study may lead the way for a new approach introducing an ICAP pattern-oriented follow up testing as a valid alternative to the existing standard panels, thus enabling more patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease to be accurately diagnosed.

Interstitial Lung Disease in Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), including polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM), are autoimmune connective tissue diseases with variable degrees of muscle inflammation and systemic involvement. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication of the IIMs and is associated with increased mortality. Many patients with PM/DM have myositis-specific and myositis-associated antibodies (MSA/MAAs) that result in distinct clinical phenotypes. Among these MSAs, anti-aminoacyl-tRNA antibodies and anti-melanoma differentiation factor 5 antibodies have high rates of ILD. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment, although the addition of other immunosuppressive therapy is typically necessary to achieve disease control.

Presentations and outcomes of interstitial lung disease and the anti-Ro52 autoantibody

Background

Distinct clinical presentations of interstitial lung disease (ILD) with the myositis-specific antibodies, including anti-synthetase antibodies, are well-recognized. However, the association between ILD and the myositis-associated antibodies, including anti-Ro52, is less established. Our objectives were to compare presenting phenotypes of patients with anti-Ro52 alone versus in combination with myositis-specific autoantibodies and to identify predictors of disease progression or death.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 73 adults with ILD and a positive anti-Ro52 antibody. We report clinical features, treatment, and outcomes.

Results

The majority of patients with ILD and anti-Ro52 had no established connective tissue disease (78%), and one-third had no rheumatologic symptoms. Thirteen patients (17.8%) required ICU admission for respiratory failure, with 84.6% all-cause mortality. Of the 73 subjects, 85.7% had a negative SS-A, and 49.3% met criteria for idiopathic pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF). The 50 patients with anti-Ro52 alone were indistinguishable from patients with anti-Ro52 plus a myositis-specific autoantibody. ICU admission was associated with poor outcomes (HR 12.97, 95% CI 5.07–34.0, p < 0.0001), whereas rheumatologic symptoms or ANA > = 1:320 were associated with better outcomes (HR 0.4, 95% CI 0.16–0.97, p = 0.04, and HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09–0.81, p = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusions

Presentations of ILD with the anti-Ro52 antibody are heterogeneous, and outcomes are similar when compared to anti-Ro52 plus myositis-specific antibodies. Testing for anti-Ro52 may help to phenotype unclassifiable ILD patients, particularly as part of the serologic criteria for IPAF. Further research is needed to investigate treatment of ILD in the setting of anti-Ro52 positivity.

Clinical characteristics of dermatomyositis patients with isolated anti-Ro-52 antibody associated rapid progressive interstitial lung disease: Data from the largest single Chinese center

AIM

To describe and expand the phenotype of isolated anti-Ro-52-associated rapid progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) in Dermatomyositis(DM) in Chinese patients.

METHODS

491 patients with PM/DM-ILD hospitalized in the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from 2000 to 2017 were screened retrospectively. All proven cases of isolated anti-Ro-52-associated RP-ILD were selected for inclusion. The clinical features in this group were recorded.

RESULTS

Isolated Ro-52 antibodies existed in 20 PM/DM-ILD patients. Among them 5 patients developed RP-ILD. The 5 patients had typical rashes including Gottron's sign (80%), Helitrope rash (80%) and mechanic's hands (100%), but only few patients (20%) had arthralgia and muscle weakness. All patients had elevated levels of serum ferritin and decreased counts of CD3⁺ T cells. The estimated high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) patterns of the five patients showed organizing pneumonia (OP) while RP-ILD patients without Ro-52 antibodies and non-RP-ILD patients with isolated Ro-52 antibodies mainly showed non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) patterns(P < 0.05). Although one patient died of infection after one month, 80%(4/5) of patients had good response to glucocorticoid treatment and these four patients survived were all alive at the end of follow-up. The survival rate in this group was the highest than those in RP-ILD patients with other myositis specific autoantibodies though the difference had no statistically significance.

CONCLUSIONS

A small group of patients with isolated anti-Ro-52 antibody in DM could develop RP-ILD, which mainly presented OP on HRCT. Patients with isolated anti-Ro-52 antibody associated RP-ILD responded well to therapy and had good prognosis in DM.

Clinical significance of myositis-specific autoantibody profiles in Japanese patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis

Myositis-specific autoantibodies, such as anti-melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA5) and anti-anti-amino acyl-tRNA synthetases (ARS) antibodies, are associated with interstitial lung diseases (ILD), which determine the prognosis of polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) patients. However, there is a paucity of data on the clinical correlation between anti-Sjögren syndrome-related antigen A (anti-SSA)/Ro52 antibodies in PM/DM. We investigated the prevalence of myositis-specific autoantibodies including anti-SSA/Ro52 antibody and assessed the clinical significance of these antibodies in patients with PM/DM.We retrospectively reviewed demographic data and clinical outcomes in patients with PM/DM. The study population comprised 24 patients with PM and 60 patients with DM. The presence of anti-myositis-specific antibodies (MDA5, ARS, Jo-1, SSA/Ro52) was determined by immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Anti-MDA5 antibody was detected in 18 patients with DM (n = 60). Anti-ARS/anti-SSA/Ro52 antibodies were detected in 31 and 39 patients with PM/DM (n = 84). Rapidly progressive ILD patients were mainly found in the anti-MDA5 antibody-positive DM group. During the follow-up period, 9 patients died. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that survival rates seem to be lower in DM patients with anti-MDA5 antibodies compared with those without anti-MDA5 antibodies. Furthermore, dual positivity for anti-SSA/Ro52 and anti-MDA5 antibodies was significantly higher in nonsurviving DM patients compared with survivors.Although the presence of anti-ARS or anti-MDA5 antibodies is a prognostic marker in patients with PM/DM, combined presence of anti-SSA/Ro52 and anti-MDA5 antibodies represent another marker for clinical outcome in DM patients. Our results suggest that anti-SSA/Ro52 antibody positivity in DM patients with anti-MDA5 antibody reveals a subgroup of DM patients with poor prognosis.

Frequency, mutual exclusivity and clinical associations of myositis autoantibodies in a combined European cohort of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy patients

Objectives

To determine prevalence and co-existence of myositis specific autoantibodies (MSAs) and myositis associated autoantibodies (MAAs) and associated clinical characteristics in a large cohort of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) patients.

Methods

Adult patients with confirmed IIM recruited to the EuroMyositis registry (n = 1637) from four centres were investigated for the presence of MSAs/MAAs by radiolabelled-immunoprecipitation, with confirmation of anti-MDA5 and anti-NXP2 by ELISA. Clinical associations for each autoantibody were calculated for 1483 patients with a single or no known autoantibody by global linear regression modelling.

Results

MSAs/MAAs were found in 61.5% of patients, with 84.7% of autoantibody positive patients having a sole specificity, and only three cases (0.2%) having more than one MSA. The most frequently detected autoantibody was anti-Jo-1 (18.7%), with a further 21 specificities each found in 0.2–7.9% of patients. Autoantibodies to Mi-2, SAE, TIF1, NXP2, MDA5, PMScl and the non-Jo-1 tRNA-synthetases were strongly associated (p < 0.001) with cutaneous involvement. Anti-TIF1 and anti-Mi-2 positive patients had an increased risk of malignancy (OR 4.67 and 2.50 respectively), and anti-SRP patients had a greater likelihood of cardiac involvement (OR 4.15). Interstitial lung disease was strongly associated with the anti-tRNA synthetases, anti-MDA5, and anti-U1RNP/Sm. Overlap disease was strongly associated with anti-PMScl, anti-Ku, anti-U1RNP/Sm and anti-Ro60. Absence of MSA/MAA was negatively associated with extra-muscular manifestations.

Conclusions

Myositis autoantibodies are present in the majority of patients with IIM and identify distinct clinical subsets. Furthermore, MSAs are nearly always mutually exclusive endorsing their credentials as valuable disease biomarkers.

•

Myositis specific autoantibodies very rarely coexist in the one individual allowing endotypes to be more precisely defined.

•

The association of anti-TIF1 and cancer-associated myositis is confirmed with a cut-off age of over 58 years.

•

In a large combined European myositis cohort associations of anti-SRP with carditis and anti-Mi-2 with cancer have emerged.

•

Myositis associated autoantibodies are strongly associated with having myositis in association with another connective tissue disease.

Diagnostic Utility of Separate Anti-Ro60 and Anti-Ro52/TRIM21 Antibody Detection in Autoimmune Diseases

Anti-SS-A antibodies are often sought for in autoimmune diseases diagnosis. Two different target proteins have actually been identified: Ro52 and Ro60. Clinical and immunological associations seem different depending on anti-Ro52 or anti-Ro60 antibodies presence. However, due to a heterogeneous presentation in the literature, some immunology laboratories in France have stopped providing anti-Ro52 antibody findings. We report here a new hospital study designed to determine the diagnostic utility of the separate detection of anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 antibodies. We conducted a retrospective, observational study, including every adult patient with positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) tested in our immunology laboratory, and associated with anti-Ro52 and/or anti-Ro60 antibodies, between 2011 and 2014. Out of 13032 sera tested for ANA, 399 adults had antibodies to Ro52 and/or Ro60; 81.7% were female, with a mean age of 54.5 ± 17.0 years. Anti-Ro52 antibodies were found in 75.7% of the patients and anti-Ro60 antibodies in 56.9%. Among them, 43.1% were classified in the Ro52 + Ro60- group, 32.6% in the Ro52 + Ro60 + group and 24.3% in the Ro52-Ro60+ group. In the Ro52-Ro60+ group, systemic lupus was the most frequent diagnosis (48.5%), with a possible association with antiphospholipid antibodies (anti-cardiolipin antibodies: OR 2.5 (CI95 [1.0-5.0], p = 0.05) and lupus anticoagulant {OR 3.6 (CI95 [1.10-10.0] p = 0.02)}. In the Ro52+Ro60+, primary Sjögren Syndrome was the most likely (OR 4.2 95% CI [2.1-8.3] p < 10^-4), especially in patients Ro52+Ro60+La+. Patients with isolated anti-Ro52 had a wider variety of diseases associated, but among auto-immune diseases they were more prone to inflammatory myositis (OR 10.5 [1.4-81.7], p = 0.02) and inflammatory rheumatism (OR 4.6 [1.6-13.8], p = 0.006) in contrast to systemic lupus (OR 0.2 [0.1-0.3], p < 10^-4) or primary Sjögren's syndrome (OR 0.1 [0.06-0.2], p < 10^-4). We therefore suggest that, when anti-ENA antibodies are prescribed, it should include separate anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 antibodies determination. To go even further, we would like to suggest a change in ENA nomenclature to avoid confusion, abandoning the anti-SS-A label in favor of the anti-Ro52/TRIM21 or anti-Ro60 antibody for a clearer designation.

Bench to bedside review of myositis autoantibodies

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies represent a heterogeneous group of autoimmune diseases with systemic involvement. Even though numerous specific autoantibodies have been recognized, they have not been included, with the only exception of anti-Jo-1, into the 2017 Classification Criteria, thus perpetuating a clinical-serologic gap. The lack of homogeneous grouping based on the antibody profile deeply impacts the diagnostic approach, therapeutic choices and prognostic stratification of these patients. This review is intended to highlight the comprehensive scenario regarding myositis-related autoantibodies, from the molecular characterization and biological significance to target antigens, from the detection tools, with a special focus on immunofluorescence patterns on HEp-2 cells, to their relative prevalence and ethnic diversity, from the clinical presentation to prognosis. If, on the one hand, a notable body of literature is present, on the other data are fragmented, retrospectively based and collected from small case series, so that they do not sufficiently support the decision-making process (i.e. therapeutic approach) into the clinics.

Distinctive cutaneous and systemic features associated with specific antimyositis antibodies in adults with dermatomyositis: a prospective multicentric study of 117 patients

BACKGROUND

Identification of myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) for dermatomyositis (DM) could allow the characterization of an antibody-associated clinical phenotype.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to define the clinical phenotype of DM and the risk of cancer, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and calcinosis based on MSA.

METHODS

A 3.5-year multicentre prospective study of adult DM patients was conducted to determine the clinical phenotype associated with MSAs and the presence of cancer, ILD and calcinosis.

RESULTS

MSAs were detected in 47.1% of 117 included patients. Patients with antimelanoma differentiation-associated protein-5 antibodies (13.7%) had significantly more palmar violaceous macules/papules [odds ratio (OR) 9.9], mechanic's hands (OR 8), cutaneous necrosis (OR 3.2), articular involvement (OR 15.2) and a higher risk of ILD (OR 25.3). Patients with antitranscriptional intermediary factor-1 antibodies (11.1%), antinuclear matrix protein-2 antibodies (6.8%) and antiaminoacyl-transfer RNA synthetase (5.1%) had, respectively, significantly more poikiloderma (OR 5.9), calcinosis (OR 9.8) and articular involvement (OR 15.2). Cutaneous necrosis was the only clinical manifestation significantly associated with cancer (OR 3.1).

CONCLUSION

Recognition of the adult DM phenotype associated with MSAs would allow more accurate appraisal of the risk of cancer, ILD and calcinosis.

Clinical Profiles and Prognosis of Patients with Distinct Antisynthetase Autoantibodies

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical characteristics and identify the longterm outcomes of Chinese patients with different antisynthetase antibodies.

METHODS

We investigated retrospectively 124 consecutive patients with antisynthetase syndrome. Medical records, laboratory results, and computed tomography images were obtained.

RESULTS

The antisynthetase antibodies we investigated were anti-Jo1 (n = 62), anti-PL7 (n = 31), anti-PL12 (n = 12), and anti-EJ (n = 19). The overall prevalence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) reached 94.4% among study patients. Eleven patients (8.9%) developed rapidly progressive ILD (RP-ILD). Eight patients (6.5%) experienced malignancy. RP-ILD was statistically more prevalent in patients with antisynthetase syndrome with anti-PL7 than those without anti-PL7 (p = 0.028). Anti-Ro52-positive patients with antisynthetase syndrome experienced higher frequency of RP-ILD than those without anti-Ro52 (p = 0.001). Further, anti-PL7-positive patients coexisting with anti-Ro52 exhibited more RP-ILD than those without anti-Ro52 (p = 0.001). Patients with antisynthetase syndrome with RP-ILD had a higher proportion of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum ferritin than those without RP-ILD (p = 0.006 and p = 0.013, respectively). Although no differences were observed between the Kaplan-Meier curves of the 4 antisynthetase antibodies subgroups (p = 0.349), the survival rate of patients with anti-PL7 decreased more rapidly in the early stage of longterm followup compared with those with other antisynthetase antibodies. The presence of RP-ILD, malignancy, and elevated serum ferritin was identified to be associated with poor prognosis in patients with antisynthetase syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Our study investigates the clinical phenotypes and outcomes of patients with antisynthetase syndrome with distinct antisynthetase antibodies and highlights the link between the anti-PL7 antibody and RP-ILD.