Analysis of anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA): frequency and specificity in a sample of 191 homozygous (PiZZ) alpha1‐antitrypsin‐deficient subjects

Abstract

ANCA not directed against classical antigens (MPO and PR3) may be found in PiZZ patients. However, these patients do not develop systemic vasculitis features. Therefore, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency is not sufficient to induce ANCA positive vasculitides, and may only act as a second hit amplifying factor.