Regent of the University of Minnesota NIMH25007624

Using a multiplex autoantibody assay to detect subclinical and preclinical autoimmune diseases, assess their seroprevalence in the Hispanic population, and investigate how autoantibody patterns relate to antibodies targeting infections and age-related conditions. The effort is grounded in the understanding that autoimmune diseases, while individually rare, collectively affect tens of millions, are more common in women, often co-occur, and can be underdiagnosed with autoantibodies appearing decades before disease onset.

The study aims to characterize these associations within Hispanics, exploring how autoantibody profiles correspond with infection-related and aging-related immune markers. This involves analyzing cross-links between autoimmune signatures and other antibodies to inform risk, detection, and potential prevention strategies.