Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) are a group of autoantibodies that mistakenly target proteins found within the cytoplasm of neutrophils, the most common type of white blood cell. The presence of ANCA is a crucial indicator of certain autoimmune disorders, most notably a group of conditions called ANCA-Associated Vasculitides (AAV).
These autoantibodies are believed to directly contribute to the inflammation and damage of small blood vessels (vasculitis) throughout the body, commonly affecting the kidneys, lungs, joints, and nervous system.
