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van der Woude D, Toes REM. Immune response to post-translationally modified proteins in rheumatoid arthritis: what makes it special? Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:838-846. [PMID: 38378236 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exhibits common characteristics with numerous other autoimmune diseases, including the presence of susceptibility genes and the presence of disease-specific autoantibodies. Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) are the hallmarking autoantibodies in RA and the anti-citrullinated protein immune response has been implicated in disease pathogenesis. Insight into the immunological pathways leading to anti-citrullinated protein immunity will not only aid understanding of RA pathogenesis, but may also contribute to elucidation of similar mechanisms in other autoantibody-positive autoimmune diseases. Similarly, lessons learnt in other human autoimmune diseases might be relevant to understand potential drivers of RA. In this review, we will summarise several novel insights into the biology of the anti-citrullinated protein response and their clinical associations that have been obtained in recent years. These insights include the identification of glycans in the variable domain of ACPA, the realisation that ACPA are polyreactive towards other post-translational modifications on proteins, as well as new awareness of the contributing role of mucosal sites to the development of the ACPA response. These findings will be mirrored to emerging concepts obtained in other human (autoimmune) disease characterised by disease-specific autoantibodies. Together with an updated understanding of genetic and environmental risk factors and fresh perspectives on how the microbiome could contribute to antibody formation, these advancements coalesce to a progressively clearer picture of the B cell reaction to modified antigens in the progression of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - René E M Toes
- Rheumatology, Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, Leiden, The Netherlands
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2
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Kasińska Z, Tasiemski T, Zwierko T, Lesiakowski P, Grygorowicz M. The usefulness of balance test in preseason evaluation of injuries in amputee football players: a pilot prospective observational study. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16573. [PMID: 38192602 PMCID: PMC10773449 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Low balance ability is generally associated with an increased risk of ligament injuries. It seems that assessing the level of stability in amputee football players can help evaluate the accompanying risk of sports injuries. Thus, the study aimed to examine the usefulness of the balance test in preseason evaluation by calculating between-group differences in stability parameters between injured and non-injured amputee players. Methods The study was designed as a pilot prospective observational study. Twenty-five elite amputee football players representing the Polish National Team and the highest division in Polish League completed one-leg preseason balance tests on the Biodex Balance System before the start of the football season. All players in this study were male, with an average age of 29 years (SD = 7.9), a stature of 174.2 cm (SD 5.2) and a body mass of 80.1 kg (SD = 13.1). Then, players were prospectively observed over one football season, and lower leg injury data were prospectively collected through the nine months. The between-group differences were tested using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test for players who sustained an injury (yes) and those who did not within the analysed season (no). Overall (OSI), medial-lateral (MLSI), and anterior-posterior stability index (APSI) were analysed as primary outcomes. Results The preseason values of the balance tests were not predictive (p > 0.05) regarding sustaining an injury during the season. No between-group differences were noted for any analysed outcomes (p values ranged from 0.093 to 0.453). Conclusions Although static balance tasks offer a chance to make a preliminary assessment of injury prediction in amputee footballers, in overall, the balance test results cannot be regarded as the sole predictive injury risk factor in amputee football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Kasińska
- Department of Adapted Physical Activity, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Tasiemski
- Department of Adapted Physical Activity, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznan, Poland
| | - Teresa Zwierko
- Laboratory of Kinesiology in Functional and Structural Human Research Centre, Department of Physical Culture and Health, Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Piotr Lesiakowski
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Monika Grygorowicz
- Department of Physiotherapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Sports Science Research Group, Rehasport Clinic FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Poznan, Poland
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3
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Mouat IC, Goldberg E, Horwitz MS. Age-associated B cells in autoimmune diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:402. [PMID: 35798993 PMCID: PMC9263041 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04433-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Age-associated B cells (ABCs) are a transcriptionally and functionally unique B cell population. In addition to arising with age and following infection, ABCs are expanded during autoimmune disease, including those with systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The exact nature of how ABCs impact disease remains unclear. Here, we review what is known regarding ABC development and distribution during diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. We discuss possible mechanisms by which ABCs could contribute to disease, including the production of cytokines and autoantibodies or stimulation of T cells. Finally, we speculate on how ABCs might act as mediators between sex, infection, and autoimmune disease, and discuss avenues for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel C Mouat
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Erin Goldberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marc S Horwitz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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4
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Kurowska-Stolarska M, Alivernini S. Synovial tissue macrophages in joint homeostasis, rheumatoid arthritis and disease remission. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:384-397. [PMID: 35672464 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00790-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Synovial tissue macrophages (STMs) were principally recognized as having a pro-inflammatory role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), serving as the main producers of pathogenic tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Recent advances in single-cell omics have facilitated the discovery of distinct STM populations, providing an atlas of discrete phenotypic clusters in the context of healthy and inflamed joints. Interrogation of the functions of distinct STM populations, via ex vivo and experimental mouse models, has re-defined our understanding of STM biology, opening up new opportunities to better understand the pathology of the arthritic joint. These works have identified STM subpopulations that form a protective lining barrier within the synovial membrane and actively participate in the remission of RA. We discuss how distinct functions of STM clusters shape the synovial tissue environment in health, during inflammation and in disease remission, as well as how an increased understanding of STM heterogeneity might aid the prediction of clinical outcomes and inform novel treatments for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Kurowska-Stolarska
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis (RACE), Glasgow, UK.
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Stefano Alivernini
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis (RACE), Glasgow, UK.
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Division of Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
- Immunology Research Core Facility, Gemelli Science and Technology Park (GSTeP), Rome, Italy.
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5
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From risk to chronicity: evolution of autoreactive B cell and antibody responses in rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:371-383. [PMID: 35606567 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00786-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The presence of disease-specific autoantibody responses and the efficacy of B cell-targeting therapies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) indicate a pivotal role for B cells in disease pathogenesis. Important advances have shaped our understanding of the involvement of autoantibodies and autoreactive B cells in the disease process. In RA, autoantibodies target antigens with a variety of post-translational modifications such as carbamylation, acetylation and citrullination. B cell responses against citrullinated antigens generate anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), which are themselves modified in the variable domains by abundant N-linked glycans. Insights into the induction of autoreactive B cells against antigens with post-translational modifications and the development of autoantibody features such as isotype usage, epitope recognition, avidity and glycosylation reveal their relationship to particular RA risk factors and clinical phenotypes. Glycosylation of the ACPA variable domain, for example, seems to predict RA onset in ACPA+ healthy individuals, possibly because it affects B cell receptor signalling. Moreover, ACPA-expressing B cells show dynamic phenotypic changes and develop a continuously proliferative and activated phenotype that can persist in patients who are in drug-induced clinical remission. Together, these findings can be integrated into a conceptual framework of immunological autoreactivity in RA, delineating how it develops and persists and why disease activity recurs when therapy is tapered or stopped.
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6
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Volkov M, Kampstra ASB, van Schie KA, Kawakami A, Tamai M, Kawashiri S, Maeda T, Huizinga TWJ, Toes REM, van der Woude D. Evolution of anti-modified protein antibody responses can be driven by consecutive exposure to different post-translational modifications. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:298. [PMID: 34876234 PMCID: PMC8653599 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02687-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Besides anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA) often display autoantibody reactivities against other post-translationally modified (PTM) proteins, more specifically carbamylated and acetylated proteins. Immunizing mice with one particular PTM results in an anti-modified protein antibody (AMPA) response recognizing different PTM-antigens. Furthermore, human AMPA, isolated based on their reactivity to one PTM, cross-react with other PTMs. However, it is unclear whether the AMPA-reactivity profile is “fixed” in time or whether consecutive exposure to different PTMs can shape the evolving AMPA response towards a particular PTM. Methods Longitudinally collected serum samples of 8 human individuals at risk of RA and 5 with early RA were tested with ELISA, and titers were analyzed to investigate the evolution of the AMPA responses over time. Mice (13 per immunization group in total) were immunized with acetylated (or carbamylated) protein (ovalbumin) twice or cross-immunized with an acetylated and then a carbamylated protein (or vice versa) and their serum was analyzed for AMPA responses. Results Human data illustrated dynamic changes in AMPA-reactivity profiles in both individuals at risk of RA and in early RA patients. Mice immunized with either solely acetylated or carbamylated ovalbumin (AcOVA or CaOVA) developed reactivity against both acetylated and carbamylated antigens. Irrespective of the PTM-antigen used for the first immunization, a booster immunization with an antigen bearing the other PTM resulted in increased titers to the second/booster PTM. Furthermore, cross-immunization skewed the overall AMPA-response profile towards a relatively higher reactivity against the “booster” PTM. Conclusions The relationship between different reactivities within the AMPA response is dynamic. The initial exposure to a PTM-antigen induces cross-reactive responses that can be boosted by an antigen bearing this or other PTMs, indicating the formation of cross-reactive immunological memory. Upon subsequent exposure to an antigen bearing another type of PTM, the overall reactivity pattern can be skewed towards better recognition of the later encountered PTM. These data might explain temporal differences in the AMPA-response profile and point to the possibility that the PTM responsible for the initiation of the AMPA response may differ from the PTM predominantly recognized later in time. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-021-02687-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Volkov
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - A S B Kampstra
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - K A van Schie
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A Kawakami
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - M Tamai
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - S Kawashiri
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - T Maeda
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - T W J Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R E M Toes
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - D van der Woude
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
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7
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Luurssen-Masurel N, Weel AEAM, Koc GH, Hazes JMW, de Jong PHP. The number of risk factors for persistent disease determines the clinical course of early arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:3617-3627. [PMID: 33484138 PMCID: PMC8328505 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Management of early arthritis is based upon early recognition of individuals at high risk of developing persistent arthritis. Therefore, this study investigates whether the number of risk factors for persistent disease or treatment determines the clinical course of early arthritis by comparing the chance at (sustained) DMARD-free remission ((S)DFR) after 2 years follow-up. Methods Data from the tREACH trial, a stratified single-blinded multicentre strategy trial with a treat-to-target approach were used. We selected all patients with ≥1 swollen joint who did not fulfil 1987 and/or 2010 criteria for RA. The number of risk factors present; autoantibody-positivity, polyarthritis (>4), erosive disease and elevated acute phase reactants, determined risk group stratification. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed with (S)DFR as dependent variables and baseline disease activity score (DAS), treatment, symptom duration and number of risk factors present as independent variables. Results In total, 130 early arthritis patients were included and respectively 31, 66 and 33 had 0, 1 and ≥2 risk factors present. DFR rates were respectively 74%, 48% and 45% for early arthritis patients with 0, 1 and ≥2 risk factors present. In accordance SDFR rates were 61%, 32% and 30%. In our logistic model (S)DFR was not influenced by the initial treatment strategies when stratified for risk groups. Conclusion The chance at (S)DFR in early arthritis diminishes when more risk factors are present, which is irrespective of the given initial treatment. Our data point out to a stratified management approach in early arthritis based on their risk profile, but validation is needed. Trial registration ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN26791028 (http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN26791028).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A E A M Weel
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G H Koc
- Department of Internal Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - J M W Hazes
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P H P de Jong
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Lee DSW, Rojas OL, Gommerman JL. B cell depletion therapies in autoimmune disease: advances and mechanistic insights. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:179-199. [PMID: 33324003 PMCID: PMC7737718 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-00092-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In the past 15 years, B cells have been rediscovered to be not merely bystanders but rather active participants in autoimmune aetiology. This has been fuelled in part by the clinical success of B cell depletion therapies (BCDTs). Originally conceived as a method of eliminating cancerous B cells, BCDTs such as those targeting CD20, CD19 and BAFF are now used to treat autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis. The use of BCDTs in autoimmune disease has led to some surprises. For example, although antibody-secreting plasma cells are thought to have a negative pathogenic role in autoimmune disease, BCDT, even when it controls the disease, has limited impact on these cells and on antibody levels. In this Review, we update our understanding of B cell biology, review the results of clinical trials using BCDT in autoimmune indications, discuss hypotheses for the mechanism of action of BCDT and speculate on evolving strategies for targeting B cells beyond depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis S. W. Lee
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Olga L. Rojas
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Jennifer L. Gommerman
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
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9
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Volkov M, van Schie KA, van der Woude D. Autoantibodies and B Cells: The ABC of rheumatoid arthritis pathophysiology. Immunol Rev 2019; 294:148-163. [PMID: 31845355 PMCID: PMC7065213 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation. In the last few decades, new insights into RA‐specific autoantibodies and B cells have greatly expanded our understanding of the disease. The best‐known autoantibodies in RA—rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA)—are present long before disease onset, and both responses show signs of maturation around the time of the first manifestation of arthritis. A very intriguing characteristic of ACPA is their remarkably high abundance of variable domain glycans. Since these glycans may convey an important selection advantage of citrulline‐reactive B cells, they may be the key to understanding the evolution of the autoimmune response. Recently discovered autoantibodies targeting other posttranslational modifications, such as anti‐carbamylated and anti‐acetylated protein antibodies, appear to be closely related to ACPA, which makes it possible to unite them under the term of anti‐modified protein antibodies (AMPA). Despite the many insights gained about these autoantibodies, it is unclear whether they are pathogenic or play a causal role in disease development. Autoreactive B cells from which the autoantibodies originate have also received attention as perhaps more likely disease culprits. The development of autoreactive B cells in RA largely depends on the interaction with T cells in which HLA “shared epitope” and HLA DERAA may play an important role. Recent technological advances made it possible to identify and characterize citrulline‐reactive B cells and acquire ACPA monoclonal antibodies, which are providing valuable insights and help to understand the nature of the autoimmune response underlying RA. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about the role of autoantibodies and autoreactive B cells in RA and we discuss the most prominent hypotheses aiming to explain the origins and the evolution of autoimmunity in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Volkov
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Anna van Schie
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Diane van der Woude
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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10
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Alivernini S, Tolusso B, Fedele AL, Di Mario C, Ferraccioli G, Gremese E. The B side of rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. Pharmacol Res 2019; 149:104465. [PMID: 31574298 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In the last years, a dramatic amount of research has been performedincreasing the knowledge about the biological mechanism underpinning Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) inflammation, putting B lymphocytes in the center of RA pathogenesis. Nowadays, B cell phenotypes and autoantibodies positivity arose as important biomarkers in early and long-standing disease. Moreover, comparative analysis of peripheral blood and synovial tissue compartments enables the identification of novel physiopathological mechanisms promoting inflammation. In this narrative review we will discuss the biological relevance of B cell derived autoimmunity and in RA course, from disease onset to remission achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Alivernini
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Institute of Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Tolusso
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Fedele
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Clara Di Mario
- Institute of Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Gremese
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Institute of Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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11
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Boeters DM, Burgers LE, Toes RE, van der Helm-van Mil A. Does immunological remission, defined as disappearance of autoantibodies, occur with current treatment strategies? A long-term follow-up study in rheumatoid arthritis patients who achieved sustained DMARD-free status. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:1497-1504. [PMID: 31413004 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sustained disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-free status, the sustained absence of synovitis after cessation of DMARD therapy, is infrequent in autoantibody-positive rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but approximates cure (ie, disappearance of signs and symptoms). It was recently suggested that immunological remission, defined as disappearance of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF), underlies this outcome. Therefore, this long-term observational study determined if autoantibodies disappear in RA patients who achieved sustained DMARD-free remission. METHODS We studied 95 ACPA-positive and/or RF-positive RA patients who achieved DMARD-free remission after median 4.8 years and kept this status for the remaining follow-up (median 4.2 years). Additionally, 21 autoantibody-positive RA patients with a late flare, defined as recurrence of clinical synovitis after a DMARD-free status of ≥1 year, and 45 autoantibody-positive RA patients who were unable to stop DMARD therapy (during median 10 years) were studied. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (anti-CCP2) IgG, IgM and RF IgM levels were measured in 587 samples obtained at diagnosis, before and after achieving DMARD-free remission. RESULTS 13% of anti-CCP2 IgG-positive RA patients had seroreverted when achieving remission. In RA patients with a flare and persistent disease this was 8% and 6%, respectively (p=0.63). For anti-CCP2 IgM and RF IgM, similar results were observed. Evaluating the estimated slope of serially measured levels revealed that RF levels decreased more in patients with than without remission (p<0.001); the course of anti-CCP2 levels was not different (p=0.66). CONCLUSIONS Sustained DMARD-free status in autoantibody-positive RA was not paralleled by an increased frequency of reversion to autoantibody negativity. This form of immunological remission may therefore not be a treatment target in patients with classified RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie M Boeters
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Leonie E Burgers
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - René Em Toes
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annette van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Alemao E, Iannaccone CK, Weinblatt ME, Shadick NA. Association of Changes in Anticitrullinated Protein Antibody Levels With Resource Use and Disease Activity Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients a US Observational Cohort. Clin Ther 2019; 41:1057-1065.e3. [PMID: 31130229 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) concentration, beyond ACPA positivity, is indicative of more aggressive radiographic progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there is limited information on the association of changes in ACPA with resource use measures and/or disease activity measures. We evaluate associations between changes in levels of ACPA and outcomes, including durable medical equipment (DME) use, hospitalizations, and disease activity, in patients with established RA. METHODS Patients from the Brigham and Women's Hospital Rheumatoid Arthritis Sequential Study who had ACPA measurements at baseline and month 12 were included. Changes in ACPA levels from baseline to month 12 were categorized as a decrease (<-10%), no change (-10% to +10%), or increase (>+10%). DME use and hospitalizations were assessed twice yearly using patient questionnaires; disease activity was assessed annually. Binary multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between changes in ACPA levels and DME use and hospitalizations; linear regression was used to assess the association with disease activity. FINDINGS Of 840 patients included in the analysis, 291 (34.6%), 266 (31.7%), and 283 (33.7%) had a decrease, no change, or increase in ACPA levels, respectively. A decrease in ACPA levels was associated with a reduction in DME use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44-0.93; P = 0.02) and hospitalizations (aOR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.95; P = 0.03) versus no change or increase. Adjusted mean changes in disease activity score in 28 joints (C-reactive protein), total and swollen joint counts, and pain scores were significantly greater in patients with decreased ACPA levels versus those with no change or increase (P < 0.05). IMPLICATIONS Among patients with RA, reductions in ACPA levels of >10% were associated with reductions in DME use, hospitalizations, and disease activity. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01793103.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evo Alemao
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA.
| | | | | | - Nancy A Shadick
- Department of Rheumatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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