Researchers unveil unique autoantibody profiles in rheumatoid arthritis patients

May 2 2024Utrecht University Patients with rheumatoid arthritis all have a unique and diverse set of antibodies that are involved in the development of the disease. Research ers at Utrecht University unveiled the complexity of these antibodies using powerful lab tools capable of analyzing our immune system at molecular levels. Their discovery suggests that current assumptions about the origin of RA are too simple. Still, their findings may point towards improved diagnostics.

The exact cause of RA remains unknown, but a crucial role is played by antibodies, special proteins made by the immune system to help fight off infections. They recognize and attack specific targets, like viruses or bacteria. Some antibodies are wrongly produced, causing them to attack our own body. Normally, our body's immune system is equipped with a 'filter' that cleans up these so-called autoantibodies. Researchers believe that this mechanism is malfunctioning in RA patients.

Unique and diverse The team used novel mass spectrometry tools that profile specific antibodies typically seen in the blood of RA patients, which are called anti-citrullinated protein antibodies . They discovered that each RA patient possesses a unique and diverse set of ACPAs. Their findings challenge previous assumptions about the backgrounds of RA, that overlooked the antibodies' diversity and complexity.

Having extra glycans aboard, may help the ACPA antibodies pass the filter of the immune system, says Bondt. The immune system uses several very strict checks during antibody production, to make sure all antibodies are correct. Wrongly produced antibodies are then detected and removed. Bondt suspects that glycans could help ACPAs trick the control system, allowing ACPAs to pass through the filter and form the onset of RA.

Source: Healthcare Press (healthcarepress.net)

Rheumatoid Arthritis Antibodies Antibody Autoantibodies Autoimmune Disease Chronic Diagnostics Glycans Immune System Inflammation Pain Research

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