Anti-topoisomerase antibodies are autoantibodies directed against topoisomerase and found in several diseases, most importantly scleroderma. Diseases with ATA are autoimmune disease because they react with self-proteins. They are also referred to as anti-DNA topoisomerase I antibody.
Epitopes and subtypes
is a type of anti-nuclear autoantibody seen mainly in diffuse systemic scleroderma, but is also seen the more limited form of systemic scleroderma called CREST syndrome. However, CREST syndrome is more closely associated with anti-centromere antibodies. Scl-70 antibodies are associated with more severe scleroderma disease. Anti-topoisomerase antibodies can be classified according to their immunoglobulin class. IgG-ATA is found most frequently in scleroderma, with IgA being quite common but IgM very infrequent.
Pathology
is an enzyme that relaxes the strain on DNA by nicking and ligating the DNA. ATA inhibits the activity of this enzyme. Since this activity occurs in the nucleus of the cell ATA is a form of anti-nuclear antibody. Scleroderma results from the overproduction of collagen in affected tissues, one study claims that there is an increased density of Topoisomerase I sites in the collagen genes, and that the antibodies may be altering transcription at these loci. ATA correlates with rapidprogression of disease. In systemic lupus erythematosus ATA are associated with nephritis. Increases in ATA+ in scleroderma and SLE are associated with increases in serum CTLA4.
Genetics
are associated with Scleroderma and systemic sclerosis. It has been found that patients with ATA that recognize the ET4 domain of topoisomerase were frequently HLA-DR2, and in another population study it was found that DR-15 is associated with ATA in systemic sclerosis. In addition to HLA-DR, the protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 22, "CT/TT" genotype showed significant association with anti-topo I. The gene has also been found in association with ATA+ sclerosis.
