Highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) are emerging as suspects in the disease pathogenesis. Do these autoantibodies define a subtype of RA, how does their presence and maturation relate to the course and characteristics of the disease, and how can we use them to improve patient outcomes? Essential facts about ACPA are explained in this Review.
- Annemiek Willemze
- Leendert A. Trouw
- Tom W. J. Huizinga
