NANOPARTICLE TRACKING ANALYSIS AS A BIOMARKER TOOL IN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

摘要

The present invention relates to a diagnostic method where protein complexes are applied as biomarkers for autoimmune diseases, preferably SLE and arthritis. The method applies nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) preferably in combination antibody-conjugated fluorescent nanoparticles (e.g. "quantum dots") to detect large proteins complexes, such as complexes of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and/or Gal-3 protein in human plasma.