DIAGNOSTIC INDICATOR OF SJOGREN'S SYNDROME

摘要

A method of identifying primary and secondary Sjögren's Syndrome or susceptibility to developing primary and secondary Sjögren's Syndrome in a subject is provided. The method includes obtaining a biological sample from the subject, contacting the sample with a purified target antigen, wherein the target antigen is an epitope of beta II spectrin, and detecting the presence of autoantibodies in the sample which bind to the target antigen. The presence of the autoantibodies is indicative of the presence of primary or secondary Sjögren's Syndrome in the subject or the susceptibility to developing primary or secondary Sjögren's Syndrome in the subject compared to subjects lacking autoantibodies that bind to the target antigen. A diagnostic kit, a pharmaceutical composition, and a method of treating or delaying the pathological effects of primary and secondary Sjögren's Syndrome in a patient are also provided, each employing beta II spectrin or a fragment thereof.