Science of Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
3 important genes in RA
HLA DR4 and DR1 and PTPN22
what is the concordance of RA between identical twin
15-30%
what process are the HLA genes involved in
MHC antigen presentation
which types of cells have MHCI complexes
all nucleated host cells
what parts of the body is RA commonest in
small joints of hands and feet
what is the synovial pannys
rheumatoid synovitis
what granulocyte can be found in the synovial fluid of RA
neutrophils
two antibodies in sero-positve RA
rheumatoid factors and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies
what joint antigens do RA antibodies recognise
type II collagen (among others)
what assay is done to look for ACPA
anti-CPP assay - looks for citrullinated self-proteins
which has a more favourable prognosis, RF+ or ACPA+
RF+
3 infectious agents associated with RA
EBV, E. Coli and mycoplasma
process of ACPA production and subsequent joint inflammation
PAD makes the arginine in proteins into citrulline. Citrullinated proteins are then picked up by APCs, T cells then B cells are activated. B cells make ACPA.
ACPA immune complexes and citrullinated proteins on their own cause joint inflammation
cells found to have infiltrated the synovium
CD4+ T cells, macrophages, B cells and plasma cells
what triggers neoangiogenesis
hypoxia induced IL-8 and VEGF
