Secretion of anti-citrulline-containing peptide antibody by B lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

These results indicate the presence of B cell precursors for anti-CCP autoantibodies that are able to produce antibodies upon stimulation in the PB B cell repertoire of healthy controls and patients with RA. In contrast, B cells that actively secreted anti-CCP were specifically present in the BM and SF compartment of anti-CCP-seropositive RA patients. The local presence of anti-CCP-secreting cells in the inflamed joints provides evidence for an antigen-driven maturation of CCP-specific B cells at the site of inflammation in RA.