Anti-endothelial cell antibodies in vasculitis: A systematic review.

Anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs) are those that can bind to endothelial cells (ECs) via variable region-specific interactions. The identification and quantification of AECAs varies depending on the technique used. The best approach would be to combine at least two different methods. Thus, AECA measurement cannot be considered a diagnostic tool, but the detection and titers of AECAs are associated with disease activity in various systemic vasculitis diseases. AECAs have been described in almost all primary systemic vasculitis diseases but also in many secondary vasculitis diseases, with the identification of various antigens. AECAs may play a pathogenic role in vasculitis, both in vitro and in vivo, mainly via EC activation and induction of apoptosis. We used a systematic review of the literature to better define the prevalence, clinical association, targeted antigens, possible pathophysiologic role and clinical usefulness of AECAs in various types of vasculitis.