Analyzing Autoantibodies of the Libby, Montana Population in Collaboration with the CARD Clinic
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Kinta Serve, Idaho State University; and Dr. Jean Pfau, Montana State University
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber found throughout the United States. One such location, Libby, Montana, has been severely affected due to asbestos contamination from mined vermiculite in the region. The contamination has now been identified as Libby Amphibole Asbestos (LAA). LAA has been observed to cause a range of systemic autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by production of autoantibodies (immune system proteins) targeting and attacking healthy cells within the body by mistaking them for foreign invaders (e.g., viruses and bacteria). We have measured the prevalence of Anti-Plasminogen and Mesothelial Cell Autoantibodies in an asbestos-exposed population by screening human serum samples from the Center for Asbestos Related Diseases (CARD) Clinic located in Libby. Our screening methods include two types of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs). Based on our results, there appears to be a higher prevalence of both the MCAA and Anti-PLG autoantibodies in the asbestos-exposed Libby population compared to our Normal Human Serum (NHS) control population. Furthermore, we have correlated the autoantibody prevalence with patient demographics such as sex, age, smoker status, and exposure type to understand the factors contributing to LAA-associated autoimmunity.
Analyzing Autoantibodies of the Libby, Montana Population in Collaboration with the CARD Clinic
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber found throughout the United States. One such location, Libby, Montana, has been severely affected due to asbestos contamination from mined vermiculite in the region. The contamination has now been identified as Libby Amphibole Asbestos (LAA). LAA has been observed to cause a range of systemic autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by production of autoantibodies (immune system proteins) targeting and attacking healthy cells within the body by mistaking them for foreign invaders (e.g., viruses and bacteria). We have measured the prevalence of Anti-Plasminogen and Mesothelial Cell Autoantibodies in an asbestos-exposed population by screening human serum samples from the Center for Asbestos Related Diseases (CARD) Clinic located in Libby. Our screening methods include two types of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs). Based on our results, there appears to be a higher prevalence of both the MCAA and Anti-PLG autoantibodies in the asbestos-exposed Libby population compared to our Normal Human Serum (NHS) control population. Furthermore, we have correlated the autoantibody prevalence with patient demographics such as sex, age, smoker status, and exposure type to understand the factors contributing to LAA-associated autoimmunity.