Abstract
Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the antibodies to keratin and associated intermediate filaments in rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue diseases. The cytoskeleton of practically every type of cell is constituted by three types of filament microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. The latter are to a certain extent cell-type specific. The intermediate filament expression and distribution patterns in cells and tissues reflect their differentiation or functional specialization state, their histogenesis, and any malignant or viral transformation. The concept that autoantibodies to specific components of the cytoskeleton may play a role in the initiation or perpetuation of autoimmune diseases is an intriguing possibility. This chapter focuses on the antibodies to the cytoskeleton of epithelial cells. The most prominent cytoskeletal structure in epithelial cells is the keratin filament network. Keratin filaments show extensive heterogeneity between different epithelial cells and between the same cells at different stages of differentiation.
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