Centromere B Antibody

What is Centromere B Antibody?

Antibodies targeting a centromere protein, strongly associated with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

Centromere B (CENP-B) antibodies target a protein involved in cell division and are one of the most characteristic markers of limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, a connective tissue condition sometimes described by the acronym CREST for its associated features. This antibody typically produces a distinctive centromere pattern on ANA testing. Clinicians often order it when Raynaud's phenomenon, skin tightening, difficulty swallowing, or small dilated blood vessels on the skin raise suspicion for systemic sclerosis. A positive result supports this association but is interpreted together with the ANA pattern, other scleroderma-related antibodies, and clinical examination rather than used as a stand-alone diagnostic test.

Lifestyle factors that influence this marker

• Aim for a balanced, anti-inflammatory eating pattern with plenty of vegetables, fruit, and healthy fats
• Keep hands and feet warm in cold weather to support circulation
• Stay physically active with regular gentle exercise
• Avoid smoking, which can affect circulation
• Prioritize consistent, restorative sleep
• Practice stress-management techniques

Tests often checked alongside this

• ANA Pattern and ANA Titer — the centromere staining pattern is closely linked to this antibody
• Chromatin Antibody — helps distinguish from lupus-related patterns
• Double-Stranded DNA Antibodies (dsDNA) — another marker used to differentiate overlapping conditions
• Complement C3 and C4 — may be checked if overlap features are present

How this can show up in how you look and feel

• May be associated with Raynaud's-type color changes in fingers or toes
• May be associated with skin thickening or tightening
• May be associated with difficulty swallowing
• May be associated with joint pain or fatigue

What can affect this marker

• Age
• Sex
• Medications
• Lab variability between testing methods

What to track over time

• Whether the antibody and ANA pattern remain consistent on repeat testing
• How results correlate with skin, circulation, or swallowing symptoms over time
• Whether monitoring of related organ systems is considered over time

What to ask your doctor

• What does this result suggest about my Raynaud's or skin symptoms?
• Should I also be evaluated for systemic sclerosis more broadly?
• Is monitoring of other organ systems recommended?
• How does this fit with my overall ANA pattern and titer?

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