Trna synthetase antibody

Autoantibodies against "aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases" are directed against cytoplasmic, ribosome-associated enzymes. These catalyze the binding of the individual amino acids to the respective tRNA. Autoantibodies against "aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (mainly IgG antibodies) also react with the catalytically active region and inhibit the enzyme activity of the synthetase in vitro. Depending on which amino acid is catalyzed, a distinction is made between: histidyl-tRNA synthetase (Jo-1), threonyl-tRNA synthetase (PL-7), alanyl-tRNA synthetase (J-12) and others.

Patients with antibodies against histidyl-tRNA synthetase (Jo-1 antibodies) may develop a so-called antisynthetase syndrome (also known as anti-jo-1 syndrome, since it is primarily Jo-1 antibodies that are detected). Anti-Jo-1 syndrome manifests itself as myositis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, arthritis, accompanied by so-called "mechanic's hands" with hyperkeratosis and rhagades, with Raynaud's phenomenon, sclerodactyly, calcinosis cutis and sicca symptoms.

1. Ohosone Y et al (1998) Anti-transfer RNA antibodies in two patients with pulmonary fibrosis, Raynaud's phenomenon and polyarthritis. Clin Rheumatol 17:144-147
2. Yousem SA et al (2010) The pulmonary histopathologic manifestations of the anti-Jo-1 tRNA synthetase syndrome. Mod Catholic 23:874-880