{"product_id":"9780444593771","title":"Autoantibodies","description":"Autoimmune diseases are characterized, amongst many other diverse features, by the occurrence of antibodies reacting with self-constituents of the body. They can be detectable in several biological fluids and by means of different techniques. The discovery of autoantibodies brought about a revolution in diagnosis and was the first of the many strides that have led to greater understanding of human autoimmune diseases.\u003cp\u003eMany autoantibodies are pathogenic effectors responsible for the clinical manifestations of autoimmune disorders. More frequently, they can be used as diagnostic tools to determine or to support the specific diagnosis. Importantly, autoantibodies can precede disease by decades. In fact, the disease activity or the involvement\/damage of particular organs is closely associated with the increase\/decrease of the autoantibody titers in certain conditions, making their measurement useful also from a prognostic point of view. This book is an exhaustive review of autoantibodies, with particular emphasis on autoantibodies that display a clinical diagnostic and\/or prognostic value.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach chapter is focused on a single family of autoantibodies by reviewing their historical notes, definition, the origin and source(s) of the antigen(s) recognized, genetic associations, the pathogenic mechanisms that are mediated, method(s) of detection, and clinical utility (disease prevalence\/association, diagnostic value, sensitivity and specificity, prognostic value). The text will be of great value to clinicians and basic scientists and highlights the utility of the clinical laboratory in improved patient care.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elsevier Science","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47121775657200,"sku":"9780444593771","price":220.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9780444593771_p0.jpg?v=1772804975","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9780444593771","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}