DIAGNOSTIC METHOD FOR CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASES USING ANTIBODY AGAINST INHIBITORY CO-STIMULATORY MOLECULES AS MARKER

摘要

Provided is a diagnostic method for chronic inflammatory diseases, the main condition of which is lymphocyte infiltration. Specifically provided is a diagnostic method which is capable of distinguishing chronic inflammatory diseases, the main condition of which is lymphocyte infiltration, from acute inflammation and inflammatory diseases, the main condition of which is not lymphocyte infiltration, said distinguishment having been impossible by conventional inflammation markers. The diagnostic method is enabled by measuring an antibody against inhibitory co-stimulatory molecules (such as PD-1, BTLA or CTLA-4) expressed in T cells and/or B cells. This diagnostic method enables distinguishment of chronic inflammatory diseases, the main condition of which is lymphocyte infiltration, from acute inflammation and inflammatory diseases, the main condition of which is not lymphocyte infiltration. A remarkable difference can be recognized among diseases that have similar clinical conditions by measuring the antibody, so that distinguishment among such diseases becomes possible.