Article
Association between HLA class II genes and autoantibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCPs) influences the severity of rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis and rheumatism - 1 Jul 2004
van Gaalen Floris A, van Aken Jill, Huizinga Tom W J, Schreuder Geziena M Th, Breedveld Ferdinand C, Zanelli Eric, van Venrooij Walther J, Verweij Cornelis L, Toes René E M, de Vries René R P
Abstract excerpt
OBJECTIVE: The functional role of HLA class II molecules in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear. HLA class II molecules are involved in the interaction between T and B lymphocytes required for long-lived B cell responses and generation of high-affinity IgG antibodies. We undertook this study to investigate the relationship between HLA class II gene polymorphisms and RA-specific IgG antibodies...
Read the complete abstract on PubMedTopics
Share this publication in a Topic to start or enrich a Post.