Endomysial antibodies are a type of immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody found in the blood of individuals with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. These antibodies target tissue transglutaminase (tTG), an enzyme involved in protein modification within the connective tissue known as the endomysium, which surrounds smooth muscle cells in various organs, including the small intestine. The resulting inflammation and villus atrophy can lead to various symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and weight loss.
Endomysial antibody testing is considered the most specific serological test for celiac disease, with a sensitivity of around 90% and a specificity of over 95%. It is often used in conjunction with other coeliac disease markers, such as IgA tTG and gliadin antibodies along with total IgA to confirm the diagnosis.
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