Towards a better understanding of the clinical association of anti-DFS70 autoantibodies

Anti-DFS70 antibodies and their clinical associations remain an immunological paradox. Unlike other antinuclear antibodies (ANA), especially when present at high titres, anti-DFS70 antibodies are not prevalent in ANA associated rheumatic diseases. Despite significant interest and progress in understanding the clinical association of anti-DFS70 antibodies, no specific clinical associations have been confirmed. In reality, several studies reporting clinical association of these antibodies (i.e. atopic dermatitis, thrombosis, autoimmune thyroiditis) have added confusion instead of bringing significant insight. In addition, several groups have consistently reported on the occurrence of anti-DFS70 antibodies in a relevant fraction of apparently healthy individuals. This review aims to analyse the current knowledge and to provide future guidance to analyse potential clinical associations of anti-DFS70 antibodies by summarizing and interpreting recent findings.