The B cell repertoire of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. II. Increased frequencies of IgG+ and IgA+ B cells specific for mycobacterial heat‐shock protein 60 or human type II collagen in synovial fluid and tissue

Abstract

B cells specific for human type II collagen, hsp60, and IgG Fc fragments are produced and/or expanded locally within the affected joints of RA patients. Thus, the specific immune system is definitely involved in the local inflammatory and destructive processes.