Anti-CD146 Linked to Silica in Systemic Sclerosis

Comparative analysis across exposed workers, cancer controls, and healthy donors supports specificity.

By
Kathryn Wighton
March 5, 2026
3 min

Conexiant

Overview

This study identifies anti-CD146 autoantibodies as a potential biomarker for systemic sclerosis (SSc) associated with occupational silica exposure. In a cohort of 93 SSc patients, 15% tested positive for these autoantibodies, suggesting a link between occupational exposure and disease manifestation.

Background

Systemic sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular abnormalities, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Identifying biomarkers associated with occupational exposures can enhance understanding of disease pathogenesis and improve diagnostic and management strategies. The discovery of anti-CD146 autoantibodies as a potential marker for silica exposure represents a significant advancement in this area.

Data Highlights

Parameter	Value
Patients with anti-CD146 positivity	15% (14/93)
Healthy blood donors with anti-CD146 positivity	5% (2/40)
Sensitivity for occupational exposure	57%
Specificity for occupational exposure	88%
Silica exposure in antibody-positive patients	29% (4/14)
Silica exposure in antibody-negative patients	4% (3/79)

Key Findings

15% of systemic sclerosis patients tested positive for anti-CD146 autoantibodies.
Anti-CD146 positivity was associated with male sex and occupational exposure, primarily to crystalline silica.
57% sensitivity and 88% specificity for occupational exposure were observed in the cohort.
29% of antibody-positive patients had silica exposure compared to 4% of antibody-negative patients.
Anti-CD146 was not associated with disease severity or treatment exposure.

Clinical Implications

The identification of anti-CD146 autoantibodies as a biomarker for silica exposure in systemic sclerosis may aid in early diagnosis and management of the disease in occupational settings. Clinicians should consider occupational history when evaluating patients with systemic sclerosis.

Conclusion

This study underscores the potential role of anti-CD146 autoantibodies in linking systemic sclerosis to occupational silica exposure, paving the way for further research and improved clinical practices.