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The concept to set up the Autoantibody Network (AAN) was generated in 2004 by Dr. Mario D’Costa, Margurate Zeale, and Dr. Donglai Ma. The initial purpose was to promote regular communications among clinical autoimmunity diagnostic laboratories. Workshops and newsletters played a major role at that stage. Eventually, demands for the conference became inevitable. The annual conference started in 2005. Four subsequent annual conferences have been held in London (Ontario), Fredericton (New Brunswick), Ottawa (Ontario) and Vancouver (British Columbia), respectively. The 5th Conference of the Autoantibody Network will be held in Toronto, Ontario on September 17th and 18th, 2009.

AAN is progressing well and playing an important role in the autoantibody diagnostics field. Its development is well beyond the original scope. Professionals working in both clinical settings and research fields are enthusiastically involved in the AAN activities. The platforms for the AAN now include regular workshops, newsletters, specific work groups, annual conferences, and this newly launched AAN website.