High-sensitivity detection of autoantibodies against proteinase-3 by a novel third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the high-sensitivity detection of autoantibodies to proteinase-3 (PR3) in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). First- and second-generation ELISA for the detection of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) frequently demonstrate insufficient sensitivity due to inadequate presentation of autoantigenic epitopes. Human PR3 was immobilized on the solid phase of ELISA plates by anchoring technique.