ZnT8 Antibodies

Immunology

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Description

Zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) is an islet beta cell secretory granule membrane protein that has been identified as an autoantibodies antigen in type 1 diabetes. ZnT8 antibodies can be used in addition to the other diabetic markers: GAD65 antibodies, IA-2 antibodies and Islet cell antibodies to differentiate clinical phenotypes. Positive GAD65 antibodies, IA-2 antibodies and ZnT8 antibodies in combination are associated with younger age of onset of autoimmune diabetes and more severe insulin deficiency. ZnT8 antibodies can be seen in up to 80% of new type 1 diabetes cases and in up to 26% of type 1 diabetes patients that are negative for GAD65 antibodies, IA-2 antibodies, islet cell antibodies and insulin antibodies. The antibodies generally appear later than GAD65 antibodies and Insulin antibodies, although not in a strict order. The combined measurement of ZnT8 antibodies, GAD65 antibodies, IA-2 antibodies and insulin antibodies raised the detection rate to 98% at disease onset.

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Indications

Type 1 diabetes.

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Sample Type

Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Negative <15 U/mL.
Positive >15 U/mL.

Manufacturer derived reference range, verified in-house.

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Turnaround Time

Within 10 days

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Testing Frequency

Weekly

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References

Lampasona V, et al. Zinc transporter 8 antibodies complement GAD and IA-2 antibodies in the identification and characterisation of adult-onset autoimmune diabetes. Diabetes Care, 2010, 33: 104-8.
Vaziri-Sani F, et al. ZnT8 autoantibody titres in type 1 diabetes patient decline rapidly after clinical onset. Autoimmunity. 2010, 43:598-606.
Wenzlau J, et al. The cation efflux transporter ZnT8 (scl30A8) is a major autoantigen in human type 1 diabetes. PNAS. 2007, 104:17040-45.
Lampasona V, et al. Diabetes antibody standardisation program: first proficiency evaluation of assays for autoantibodies to zinc transporter 8. Clin Chem. 2011, 57:1693-1702.
Tiberti C, et al. Detection of four diabetes specific autoantibodies in a single radioimmunoassay: an innovative high-throughput approach for autoimmune diabetes screening. CEI. 2011. 166: 317-324.

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See Also

GAD65
IA-2 Antibodies
Islet cell antibodies

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