Cardiolipin/B2-GPI complex

Description

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL) of the IgG and IgM isotype (if present in medium or higher titer) are diagnostic markers and classification criteria of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). In fact, aCL are detectable in most patients with typical symptoms of APS but are not specifically associated with the clinical picture of the syndrome as they are also present in various infectious diseases (e.g. Syphilis). In the course of numerous clinical trials, investigators found that the detection of aCL was enhanced by ß2-Glycoprotein I (ß2-GPI), a cofactor that has binding affinities for phospholipids.

The complex CL / ß2-GPI induces a conformational change in the ß2-GPI and the expression of a cryptic epitope recognize by autoantibodies. These Anti-Cardiolipin/ß2-GPI antibodies are associated with the well-known thrombotic event in APS and are specific for the syndrome.

It has been demonstrated that the antibodies directed against the Cardiolipin/ß2-GPI complex are not identical to ß2-GPI antibodies.

APS presents variable clinical features such as venous and arterial thrombosis, recurrent spontaneous abortions and neurological complications. APS may occur as an isolated disease entity (formerly primary APS) or in combination with another autoimmune disease, especially Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) (formerly secondary APS).

 

Antigen used by D-tek

Purified from bovine heart, complexed in vitro with natural, human β2-GPI (for more information on our antigens click here)