Autoantibody profile in rheumatoid arthritis

Antibodies against citrullinated protein/peptides antigens (ACPA) are well recognized serological markers for rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to rheumatoid factor, they provide high diagnostic specificity and are also useful diagnostic tools in the search for early disease manifestation. As shown by several studies, both autoantibodies correlate with disease severity and the radiologic progression of rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is important to note that only the detection of rheumatoid factors is internationally standardized. Whether autoantibody profiling is also of significance for the stratification and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis is the focus of ongoing investigations.