Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. The majority of individuals with RA are positive for the disease-specific anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). These antibodies are primarily of cross-reactive nature, hence, the true autoantigen to ACPA remains unidentified. In this study, we analyzed the reactivity of RA sera to several post-translationally modified epitopes, in order to further characterize the specific nature of ACPAs by immunoassays. Substituting citrulline with other amino acids, e.g., D-citrulline, homo-citrulline and methyl-arginine illustrated that ACPAs are utmost specific for citrullinated targets. Collectively, these findings support that ACPAs and citrullinated targets are specific for RA, making citrulline-containing peptide targets the most effective assays for detection of ACPAs.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
---|---|
Artikelnummer | 37 |
Tidsskrift | Antibodies |
Vol/bind | 8 |
Udgave nummer | 2 |
Antal sider | 10 |
ISSN | 2073-4468 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - jun. 2019 |