Anti–citrullinated protein antibody

The presence of autoantibodies against citrullinated proteins in rheumatoid arthritis patients was first described in the mid-1970s when the biochemical basis of antibody reactivity against keratin and filaggrin was investigated.

Vimentin is secreted and citrullinated by macrophages in response to apoptosis, or by pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).

[6][17] Noteworthy are the findings of a recently published study that highly valuates anti-MCV test systems for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis in anti-CCP-negative patients.

[22] The reference ranges for blood tests of anti–citrullinated protein antibodies are: Anti-CCP is part of the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

[24] Combination of anti-CCP with other serological markers like rheumatoid factor, 14-3-3η (YWHAH) not only enhances the diagnostic capture rate but together with acute phase reactants either in early disease or at the time of diagnosis may be useful in predicting future outcomes.

The RA associated citrullinome has been reported to include targets from synovial fluid and tissue that range from proteases, receptors, and carrier proteins.