In this project the investigators will look for auto-antibodies to relevant proteins both in native form and importantly in post-translationally modified forms. Potential modified auto-antigens are eosinophil proteins (analogous to the cytoplasmic neutrophil proteins identified in vasculitides such as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis) and alternatively structural proteins such as collagen V. As well as advancing the understanding of asthma pathology, identifying a serum auto-antibody that could then be used as a clinical blood test, analogous to anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis, may revolutionise diagnosis of severe eosinophilic asthma and Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA). There is a considerable burden of undiagnosed severe eosinophilic asthma in part due to difficulties in definitive diagnosis and a diagnostic blood test would help diagnose these patients, allowing them to receive necessary treatment.
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Number and Percentage of Patients With a Positive Autoantibody ELISA
Timeframe: Baseline, at study entry