The first section of this volume provides well structured protocols for autoantibody detection. Step-by-step procedures are accompanied by explanatory notes and comments, clear diagrams, line illustrations and excellent photo illustrations. Extensive literature references lead the way to further background information. The methods presented were validated by more than 40 leading laboratories active in sera analysis, which indicates that these methods have been found to be practically useful and lead to consistent inter-laboratory results: consensus in autoantibody detection. The second section contains the a compilation of full, detailed information on autoantigens related to important autoimmune diseases. The chapters are all structured according to an easy-reference fixed template structure: specific detection methods, cellular localization, biochemical characteristics, function, cDNA and derived amino acid sequence, gene structure, B- and T-cell epitopes and lists of published monoclonal antibodies. The text is enhanced by many schematic figures and photo illustrations. As in Section A, extensive literature references are provided. The information for this section was brought together by leading experts in their fields. This Manual is intended as a reference book for bench scientists working in the field of autoimmunity, but also for rheumatologists, general (internal medicine) physicians or clinical immunologists caring for patients with autoimmune disorders.

A comprehensive reference work: This looseleaf work is an authoritative compilation of methods for the detection of autoantibodies (Section A: Methods of Autoantibody Detection); the structure, function, and molecular and biochemical concepts of autoantigens (Section B: Autoantigens); and the clinical significance of measuring autoantibodies in patients with rheumatic, connective tissue and autoimmune diseases (Section C: Clinical Significance of Autoantibodies). This unique work brings together all the molecular and medical information - very difficult to retrieve otherwise - in ONE publication. The Editors and contributors are leading experts in the immunological, molecular biological, and clinical fields. The format of this looseleaf publication allows regular updating of data as well as inclusion of new advances in research on autoimmunity. Until now, the work (Basic work including Supplement 1) included Section A, and the larger part of Section B, both in an attractive and robust ringbinder. Audience: By nature and design of this exciting reference work, it is especially aimed at scientists, including immunologists, pathologists and molecular biologists, and clinical chemists, as well as clinicians specializing in rheumatic diseases and autoimmune disorders, inflammation or clinical immunology. Supplement 2: This supplement primarily contains Section C (Clinical Significance of Autoantibodies). As in the other sections, the contents are presented in a consistently structured manner, beautifully illustrated with photos and schematic figures. Extensive literature references are provided. Also, this supplement includes an addition to Section B (Autoantigens), being chapter B.1.5: The Antigens Defined by Antikeratin Antibodies (AKA).

Section A: Methods of Autoantibody Detection This Section provides well structured protocols for autoantibody detection. Step-by-step procedures are accompanied by explanatory notes and comments, clear diagrams, line illustrations and excellent photo illustrations. Extensive literature references lead the way to further background information. The methods presented were validated by more than 40 leading laboratories active in sera analysis, which indicates that these methods have been found to be practically useful and lead to consistent inter-laboratory results: consensus in autoantibody detection. Section B: Autoantigens This Section contains the first compilation of full, detailed information on autoantigens related to important autoimmune diseases. The chapters are all structured according to an easy-reference fixed template structure: specific detection methods, cellular localization, biochemical characteristics, function, cDNA and derived amino acid sequence, gene structure, B- and T-cell epitopes and lists of published monoclonal antibodies. The text is greatly enhanced by many beautiful schematic figures and photo illustrations. As in Section A, extensive literature references are provided. The information for this section was brought together by leading experts in their fields. This Manual is an ideal text and reference book for bench scientists working in the field of autoimmunity, but also for rheumatologists, general (internal medicine) physicians or clinical immunologists caring for patients with autoimmune disorders.

This work presents a compilation of methods for the detection of autoantibodies (Section A: Methods of Autoantibody Detection); the structure, function, and molecular and biochemical concepts of autoantigens (Section B: Autoantigens); and the clinical significance of measuring autoantibodies in patients with rheumatic, connective tissue and autoimmune diseases (Section C: Clinical Significance of Autoantibodies). The work brings together all the molecular and medical information in one publication. The editors and contributors are leading experts in the immunological, molecular biological, and clinical fields. The format of this looseleaf publication allows regular updating of data as well as inclusion of new advances in research on autoimmunity. The work is especially aimed at scientists, including immunologists, pathologists and molecular biologists, and clinical chemists, as well as clinicians specializing in rheumatic diseases and autoimmune disorders, inflammation or clinical immunology. Supplement 2 primarily contains Section C (Clinical Significance of Autoantibodies). As in the other sections, the contents are presented in a structured manner, illustrated with photos and schematic figures. Extensive literature references are provided. Also, this supplement includes an addition to Section B (Autoantigens), being chapter B.1.5: "The Antigens Defined by Antikeratin Antibodies (AKA)".