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A Deiminated Viral Peptide to Detect Antibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Address for correspondence: Paola Migliorini, M.D., Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy. Voice: +39-50-558609; fax: +39-50-558630. p.migliorini{at}med.unipi.it
The data presented suggest that a deiminated viral peptide is specifically recognized by antibodies contained in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sera. Antipeptide antibodies are not associated with the presence or severity of specific manifestations of RA, but are more frequent in subjects with erosive arthritis. Taking into account the association with rheumatoid factor and with erosive arthritis, we can conclude that antipeptide antibodies are markers of severe forms of RA. Our data also show familial aggregation of anticitrullinated peptide antibodies.
Key Words: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) • antipeptide antibodies • deiminated viral peptide
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