Autoimmune hepatitis is an uncommon, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that targets the liver. It's characterized by the presence of circulating autoantibodies and elevated levels of IgG, along with distinct histological features. With a dedicated team of experts with extensive experience rare diseases diagnostic development, our company offers innovative and reliable diagnostic solutions for autoimmune hepatitis.
Overview of Autoimmune Hepatitis
The pathophysiology of autoimmune hepatitis involves immune-driven liver cell damage leading to inflammation, failure, and fibrosis. Globally, it affects 1.37 to 17.44 per 100,000 individuals annually. Autoimmune hepatitis is categorized into two primary subtypes based on specific autoantibodies.
- Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis is predominantly identified by the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), smooth muscle antibodies (SMA), and anti-actin antibodies (AAA). It accounts for approximately 80% of cases and is more prevalent among adults.
- Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis primarily affecting children, with features a more severe progression necessitating long-term care. This subtype is distinguished by the presence of anti-liver/kidney microsome type 1 antibody (LKM-1) and anti-liver cytosol antibody (ALC-1).
Fig.1 Mechanisms of autoimmune hepatitis. (Muratori, L., et al., 2023)
Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Hepatitis
The precise mechanisms of autoimmune hepatitis remain unclear, and extensive research has identified critical areas such as genetic and epigenetic factors, abnormal autoimmune regulatory mechanisms, and environmental triggers. The pathogenesis of AIH involves a complex interplay between specific genetic traits and molecular mimicry, compromised immunoregulatory functions involving CD4+ T cells and Treg cells, and the contributory roles of CD8+ cytotoxicity and B-cell-mediated autoantibody production.
Fig. 2 Algorithm for individuals with possible autoimmune hepatitis. (Muratori, L., et al., 2023)
Diagnostic Development for Autoimmune Hepatitis
Recent progress in diagnostic technology has brought about more specific and sensitive assays for autoantibodies associated with autoimmune hepatitis, which have enhanced the precision of diagnosis and differentiation between subtypes of autoimmune hepatitis.
| Autoantibody Detection Kits |
Applications |
Method of detection |
| ANA |
Diagnosis of AIH-1 |
IFA, ELISA, Immunoblot |
| SMA |
Strongly favors AIH-1, particularly when combined with ANA at high titers |
IFA, ELISA, Immunoblot (Actin) |
| Anti-LKM1 |
AIH-2 after excluding hepatitis C |
IFA, ELISA, Immunoblot |
| Anti-LC1 |
AIH-2 after excluding hepatitis C |
IFA, ELISA, Immunoblot |
| Anti-SLA |
Specific for AIH, associated with more severe disease |
ELISA, Immunoblot |
| p-ANNA |
Detected as the only serological marker in suspected AIH-1 with negative ANA, SMA, and anti-SLA |
IFA |
Our Services
Utilizing our deep expertise and advanced resources, we offer leading-edge IVD product development services designed for the early detection and precise diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. Furthermore, we provide point-of-care testing and companion diagnostic development services, promoting accurate diagnosis and personalized therapy strategies.
IVD Product Development Services
Optional IVD Reagent/Kit
- Antibody Spectrum Detection Kit
- Anti-Nuclear Antibody Detection Kit
- Smooth Muscle Antibody Detection Kit
- And More
Advanced laboratory facilities of us are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that enable the identification of crucial biomarkers and antibodies, essential for an accurate diagnosis. By leveraging our expertise, advanced resources, and unwavering dedication to excellence, we aim to promote early detection and effective management of autoimmune hepatitis, ultimately improving individual outcomes.
If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us for further information.
References
- Muratori, Luigi et al. "Diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis." BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 380 (2023): e070201.
- Flikshteyn, Ben et al. "Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis." Clinics in liver disease 28.1 (2024): 37-50.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
