The presence of antibodies to citrullinated protein antigens (ACPA) in peripheral blood represents a risk a state that is ‘at-risk’ for subsequent development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here authors compare multiple molecular and immunological parameters in individuals who are ACPA positive without inflammatory arthritis, ACPA negative controls and patients diagnosed with ACPA positive early-stage RA to conclude that complex immunopathological processes are present in an ACPA positive state which may be targeted by future preventive approaches for RA.
- Eddie A. James
- V. Michael Holers
- Kevin D. Deane
