According to a new study, the autoantibodies found in our blood may help identify certain disease.

Autoantibodies are proteins which are released by the immune system, that attack part of the body rather than targeting unknown “invaders.”

Each human has a unique autoantibody profile, this remains the same over time.

Individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and breast cancer have a much lower count of autoantibodies than their peers. Doctors will now be able to use the autoantibodies count as a way to diagnose various disease.

For the study, researchers gathered 166 participants. The subjects were diagnosed with various medical conditions.

The profiles of the participants were conducted based on age, gender and disease. Autoantibodies were noted to bind with antigens when an injury or a disease occurred. Antigens are substance in organs and tissues throughout our body.

The researchers found that with age, the amount of autoantibodies in the body increases. In addition omwn have more autoantibodies than men do. This may be linked to women having higher rates of autoimmune disease than men.

This study was published in PLoS ONE on April 2nd.