Old known and possible new biomarkers of ANCA-associated vasculitis

Antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) comprises a group of multisystem dis-orders involving severe, systemic, small-vessel vasculitis with short-and long term serious and life-threating complications. Despite the simplification of treatment, fundamental aspects concerning assessment of its effi-cacy and its adaptation to encountered complications or to the relapsing/remitting/subclinical disease course remain still unknown. The pathogenesis of AAV is complex and unique, and despite the progress achieved in the last years, much has not to be learnt. Foremost, there is still no accurate marker enabling us to monitoring disease and guide therapy. Therefore, the disease management relays often on clinical judgment and follows a trial and error approach.In the recent years, an increasing number of new molecules s have been explored and used for this purpose including genomics, B-and T-cell subpopulations, complement system factors, cytokines, metabolomics, bio-spectroscopy and components of our microbiome.The aim of this review is to discuss both the role of known historical and clinically established biomarkers of AAV, as well as to highlight potential new ones, which could be used for timely diagnosis and monitoring of this devastating disease, with the goal to improve the effectiveness and ameliorate the complications of its demanding therapy.

Automated summary

Antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is a severe multisystem disease that relies on clinical judgment for treatment. There are still many unknowns in the pathogenesis and management of this disease. In recent years, new molecules have been explored to improve treatment outcomes and reduce complications.