ME-5, ME-2, and EPP2: human protein antigens reactive with autoantibodies present in the serum of women suffering from endometriosis

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21 . A method for detecting a ME-2 polypeptide (SEQ ID NO:6) in a sample, comprising the steps of:

(a) contacting the sample with an antibody that specifically binds an epitope of the ME-2 polypeptide and

(b) detecting specific binding between the antibody and ME-2 polypeptide;

whereby specific binding provides a detection of ME-2 polypeptide in the sample.

22 . A method for diagnosing endometriosis in a human subject comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting a test amount of an antibody that specifically binds to ME-2 polypeptide (SEQ ID NO:6) or a peptide comprising an epitope of ME-2 in a sample from the subject; and

(b) comparing the test amount with a normal range of the antibody in a control sample from a subject who does not suffer from endometriosis,

whereby a test amount above the normal range provides a positive indication in the diagnosis of endometriosis.

23 . The method of claim 22 wherein the sample comprises blood serum.

24 . The method of claim 22 wherein the step of detecting comprises capturing the antibody from the sample with an immobilized ME-2 or a peptide comprising an epitope of ME-2 and detecting captured antibody.

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