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These hidden proteins are the culprits in rheumatoid arthritis. Did you know they are?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. There are some hidden protein factors behind this inflammation, the most important of which is anti-cyclic citrullinated protein. Antibodies (ACPAs). These antibodies target proteins that are undergoing a process called cyclocitrullination, which causes the structure of healthy proteins to change and can trigger an attack by the immune system, ultimately causing joint damage and pain.
Since the mid-1970s, the presence of autoantibodies against cyclic citrullinated proteins in patients with rheumatoid arthritis has become an important indicator for diagnosing the disease.
Detection of these antibodies not only improves the success rate of early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, but also enhances the ability of medical providers to predict the future course of the patient's disease. According to the criteria set by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) in 2010, the test for anti-CCP antibodies was included in the classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis, which made the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis more convenient. Objective and reliable.
Clinical significance of anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies
According to a 2007 comparative study, detection tools for anti-CCP antibodies performed well in terms of sensitivity and specificity. This type of immunoassay can effectively distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from various other chronic joint diseases. These results make ACPAs a promising biomarker that could aid in accurate diagnosis at an early stage of the disease.
The latest research shows that the anti-MCV detection system can not only enhance the diagnostic accuracy of RA patients, but also provide effective diagnostic indicators even for patients with negative anti-CCP.
For certain high-risk groups, such as immediate family members of RA patients, the detection of anti-CCP antibodies is particularly important. Although the co-occurrence rate of RA in identical twins was 15.4%, compared with only 3.6% in fraternal twins, this still shows the potential influence of genetic factors in the disease.
The process of cyclocitrullination
Cyclic citrullination, an enzyme-catalyzed process in which argentinyl amino acid residues are converted to citrulline, is implicated in the development of rheumatoid arthritis and can affect the structure of a variety of proteins. Cyclic citrullinated proteins, including vimentin, a member of the intermediate filament protein family, are easily recognized by the immune system as foreign antigens. This phenomenon may trigger a strong immune response.
Current oncogene studies have shown that vinblastine may serve as a key autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis, which can be released and cyclocitrullinated by macrophages in the context of apoptosis and inflammation.
Latest research breakthroughs
Recent studies have also focused on cellular markers, particularly 14-3-3η (YWHAH), a protein from synaptic fluid that also plays a role in RA cyclocitrullination. As the exploration of cyclocitrullinated target proteins deepens, the medical community is gaining new insights into these hidden proteins.
Future Outlook
With the continuous advancement of technology, more accurate detection methods and the discovery of new biomarkers, early prediction and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis will become more feasible. Emerging detection systems, such as the genetically modified cyclic citrullinated vical venom (MCV) test system, are increasingly demonstrating their potential diagnostic efficacy. We may be able to gradually uncover the mystery of rheumatoid arthritis.
So, in future research on rheumatic diseases, could these hidden proteins help us find more effective treatments?
