Proteomic mapping of rheumatoid factors in early rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract

Rheumatoid factors (RFs) are archetypal autoantibodies which have intrigued and provided invaluable insights into the mechanisms of inflammation and immunity. They are targeted against the Fc portion of IgG, are primarily of the IgM isotype and are found in a myriad of systemic autoimmune and infectious diseases, as well as healthy subjects. To this day, these antibodies are measured by nephelometric and solid-phase immunoassays; however, these techniques are unable to resolve the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IGHV) regions which remain one of the most important structures in determining antibody specificity.