Anti-CD146 Linked to Silica in Systemic Sclerosis
Comparative analysis across exposed workers, cancer controls, and healthy donors supports specificity.
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By
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Kathryn Wighton
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March 5, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Anti-CD146 Linked to Silica in Systemic Sclerosis
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Systemic Sclerosis |
| Key Mechanisms | Association of anti-CD146 autoantibodies with occupational exposure, particularly to crystalline silica. |
| Target Population | Patients with systemic sclerosis, particularly those with occupational exposure. |
| Care Setting | Retrospective monocentric cohort study. |
Key Highlights
- 15% of systemic sclerosis patients tested positive for anti-CD146 autoantibodies.
- Anti-CD146 positivity associated with male sex and silica exposure.
- 57% sensitivity and 88% specificity for occupational exposure.
- 29% of antibody-positive patients had silica exposure.
- No association found between anti-CD146 and disease severity.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Use anti-CD146 autoantibody testing as a potential biomarker for systemic sclerosis related to occupational exposure.
Management
- Consider occupational history in the management of systemic sclerosis patients.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor for interstitial lung disease in patients with positive anti-CD146 status.
Risks
- Increased risk of interstitial lung disease in antibody-positive workers.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis according to 2013 classification criteria.
No specific treatment insights provided; focus on diagnosis and occupational exposure.
Clinical Best Practices
- Incorporate occupational exposure assessment in systemic sclerosis evaluations.
- Utilize anti-CD146 testing in patients with suspected occupational systemic sclerosis.
References
