Antibodies to citrullinated α‐enolase peptide 1 are specific for rheumatoid arthritis and cross‐react with bacterial enolase

Abstract

We have identified an immunodominant epitope in citrullinated alpha-enolase, to which antibodies are specific for RA. Our data on sequence similarity and cross-reactivity with bacterial enolase may indicate a role for bacterial infection, particularly with P gingivalis, in priming autoimmunity in a subset of patients with RA.