Dr. Eng Meng Tan (August 26, 1926 - March 9, 2024) was a renowned clinical research scientist and Professor Emeritus at The Scripps Research Institute, whose lifelong work significantly advanced the understanding of autoantibodies and their role in systemic rheumatic diseases. His seminal discoveries include the identification of anti-Sm antibodies as a diagnostic marker for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), anti-centromere antibodies in systemic sclerosis, and anti-PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) antibodies in SLE, which have become essential tools in clinical diagnostics and cell biology research.
Tan's contributions extended beyond autoantibody discovery, as he introduced the concept of autoantibody profiles as biomarkers for different rheumatic diseases and played a pivotal role in incorporating autoantibodies into classification criteria for SLE, Sjögren disease, and systemic sclerosis. His work also shed light on the role of autoantibodies in cancer, suggesting they could serve as reporters of aberrant cellular mechanisms in tumorigenesis.
Tan received numerous honors and awards, including the Novartis ILAR Prize, the Lee C. Howley Sr. Award, the Carol Nachman Award, the American College of Rheumatology's Distinguished Investigator Award, Master, and Gold Medal Award, and several lifetime achievement awards. He chaired an international committee that studied and reported variables that impacted on the accuracy of antinuclear antibody (ANA) immunofluorescence testing and established reference sera for standardizing ANA testing, contributing to improved diagnostic performance worldwide.
In recognition of his leadership and exceptional contributions to the field of autoantibodies and autoimmunity, the International Consensus on Autoantibody Patterns (ICAP) is honored to name Dr. Eng Meng Tan as an honorary member, celebrating his legacy and impact on clinical immunology and rheumatic disease research.
Two recent articles summarize his extraordinary accomplishments in life and his detailed contributions to science and medicine: