Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies – a role in rheumatoid arthritis and the possibility of seroconversion: A focus on abatacept

Abstract

The detection of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies plays a diagnostic and statistical predictive role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The decreased concentration of anti-CCP antibodies or their seroconversion is observed for not all groups of anti-inflammatory drugs. Seropositivity for anti-CCP antibodies is a predictor of the higher efficacy of abatacept (ABC). The possibility of seroconversion of anti-CCP antibodies, like rheumatoid factor, during treatment with ABC is associated with the more pronounced suppression of clinical symptoms of RA activity and progressive joint destruction, with remission achievement in a large proportion of patients.

Keywords

• seropositivity
• seroconversion
• anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies
• rheumatoid arthritis
• rheumatoid factor
• abatacept.