ABSTRACT
Rheumatoid factor and antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides represent a diagnostic hallmark in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, over the last decades many other autoantibodies have been identified. Several proteins can trigger an aberrant autoimmune response in their native form while others acquire this feature after post-translational modifications such as citrullination, carbamylation or acetylation. It is of interest that also the enzymes catalyzing such post-translational modifications (e.g. the protein arginine deiminases) can transform themselves into autoantibodies in RA. The purpose of this review article is to provide an overview of relevant literature published over the last years regarding novel autoantibodies and their possible diagnostic and prognostic significance in RA.
Subject(s)
Autoantibodies/metabolism , Citrullination , Peptides, Cyclic/immunology , Vimentin/immunology , Antibodies, Antinuclear/immunology , Antibodies, Antinuclear/metabolism , Antibody Specificity , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/immunology , Autoantibodies/immunology , Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens/immunology , Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens/metabolism , Humans , Hydrolases/immunology , Hydrolases/metabolism , Keratins/immunology , Peptide Fragments/immunology , Peptide Fragments/metabolism , Protein Carbamylation , Rheumatoid Factor , Vimentin/metabolism , Viral Proteins/immunology , Viral Proteins/metabolismABSTRACT
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the joints, though a consistent proportion of patients may also display extra articular manifestations (EAMs). From rheumatoid nodules to interstitial lung disease, from cardiovascular events to vasculitis, the spectrum of EAMs encompasses various conditions with different prognoses. EAMs may also occur as first RA manifestation, therefore the coordination with other health professionals, including general practitioners, is needed. The aim of this article is to provide an overview on EAMs in RA with particular focus on the recognised risk factors and the available recommendations for managing them, as well as comorbidities in RA patients.
