+ +

•  

   

     Western blot analysis using PNP mouse mAb against  HL-60 lysate    

  
  

**Background of PNP Antibodies**

PNP antibodies, or anti-purine nucleoside phosphorylase antibodies, are autoantibodies associated with autoimmune disorders, particularly in the context of neurological and systemic diseases. PNP is a key enzyme in the purine salvage pathway, essential for DNA/RNA synthesis and immune cell function. Genetic PNP deficiency causes severe immunodeficiency, but autoantibodies against PNP are rare and not directly linked to this deficiency.

These antibodies were first noted in autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), though their clinical significance remains unclear. Recent studies highlight their potential role in paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS), where they may target intracellular antigens, triggering immune-mediated neuronal damage. Detection typically involves immunoassays or cell-based techniques, but their low prevalence limits routine clinical use.

Research suggests PNP antibodies might serve as biomarkers in overlapping autoimmune or cancer-related neurological disorders, though their pathogenicity and diagnostic utility require further validation. Their presence often prompts investigation for underlying malignancies, reflecting the immune system's cross-reactivity between tumor and neural antigens. Current understanding is evolving, emphasizing the need for standardized detection methods and larger studies to clarify their role in disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.