Novel 68 kDa autoantigen detected by rheumatoid arthritis specific antibodies

Article Abstract:

A new test to identify rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may enable diagnosis to be made earlier and more accurately. The 68 kDa antigen, which may be present in all human tissues, was recognized as an autoantigen by blood from 64% of 167 RA patients. The 68 kDa antigen was identified in RA patients negative for the rheumatoid factor, but in only 1% of patients with other rheumatic diseases. The discovery that this antigen may be a specific indicator of RA fits with the current theory that major proteins involved in cell metabolism are attacked by autoimmune diseases. The disease process of RA may involve autoimmunity against the 68 kDa antigen.

Development and progression

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Rheumatoid arthritis: autoreactive T cells recognising a novel 68K autoantigen

Article Abstract:

A 68K autoantigen seems to be the target of T cells in many patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Many RA patients also produce antibodies against this autoantigen. Researchers isolated the autoantigen from a cell line and used it in an assay to determine whether T cells in blood samples from RA patients would react to it. This occurred in blood samples taken from 70% of the patients. This autoantigen occurs naturally in many body tissues but it is not a target of T cells or antibodies in healthy people. Further research is needed to determine why it becomes a target in RA patients.

T cells

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The p68 autoantigen characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis is reactive with carbohydrate epitope specific autoantibodies

Article Abstract:

Anti-carbohydrate antibodies seem to be associated with autoimmunity to the p68 antigen in rheumatoid arthritis. Antibodies against the p68 antigen have been found in as many as 66% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers used enzymes to remove the carbohydrate component of the cellular antigen and found that the anti-p68 antibodies no longer reacted immunologically to the antigen. Development of these anti-carbohydrate antibodies to immune-active antigens may be associated with the autoimmunity of rheumatoid arthritis.

Autoimmune diseases

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