A standardised FACS assay based on native, receptor transfected cells for the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of β1-adrenergic receptor autoantibodies in human heart disease.

Background: Autoantibodies against β1-adrenergic receptors (β1AR) that stimulate cardiac cAMP-production play a causal role in the pathogenesis of human heart failure. Patients can be subjected to specific therapies, if the presence of potentially cardio-noxious β1AR-autoantibodies is reliably diagnosed. This requires assessment of IgG-interactions with the native β1AR because β1AR-autoantibodies target a conformational epitope inadequately presented by denatured receptors or linear peptides.