Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis
A chronic systemic inflammatory disorder
Characterised by poly arthritis with progressive joint damage and disability, immunologic abnormalities and systemic inflammation
What are the causes of RA?
Not 100% known however thought that it is a result of genetic and environmental risk factors with a strong auto immune component
E.g. Infections and smoking
What are the most characteristic autoantibodies in RA?
Rheumatoid factor
- an antibody that binds to the Fc portion of IgG in the circulation
Anti-CCP
- convert arginine (basic amino acid) to citrulline (neutral residue)
How are cytokines involved in the inflammatory response of RA?
They contribute to the underlying immune dysfunction and to immune-mediated events that damage target organs
What does co-morbidity mean?
Damages to other organs within the body as a result of a disease
How does rheumatiod factor work?
Have a self binding capacity that can result in the formation of very large immune complexes
- these are able to activate the immune system
The binding is promoted by the defective glycosylation of the Fc region
This leaves a pocket for the binding of a Fab galactose residue thus increasing the strength of intermolecular binding
How can you measure the severity of inflammation?
Through measuring the concentration of RF
How do you convert arginine to citrulline?
Via the enzyme peptidylarginine deiminase (PADI)
In a healthy individual CD4 cells interact with what class of MHC cell?
Interact with MHC class II cells to become CD4+ cells
What happens to unselected cells in individuals?
They undergo cell death by apoptosis
How is peripheral T cell homeostasis maintained?
Through positive selection and the replication of naive T-cells that recognise self antigens
What is a synovial joint?
Presences of a synovial cavity between two articulating bones. Classified as a diarthroses
