Where rheumatoid arthritis antibodies come from
Insights into the origin of ACPAs in RA
['FUNDING_R21'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11257649
This work looks at whether common antibodies that target a related protein change called carbamylation can evolve into the anti-citrullinated protein antibodies linked to rheumatoid arthritis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11257649 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study antibodies derived from people with rheumatoid arthritis to see how they bind to citrullinated versus carbamylated proteins. They will analyze the antibody sequences and test binding in the laboratory to track how these antibodies change during immune maturation. The team will use RA-derived monoclonal antibodies and molecular assays to compare original (germline) antibody forms to their matured versions. Results may point to an early immune trigger that leads to the antibody patterns seen in RA.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with rheumatoid arthritis, especially those who are anti-CCP (ACPA) positive, could be candidates to provide blood or immune cells for this work.
Not a fit: People without RA or without anti-citrullinated protein antibodies are unlikely to get direct benefit from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If correct, this could reveal an early step in how rheumatoid arthritis-linked antibodies arise and suggest new ways to detect or prevent RA before joint damage occurs.
How similar studies have performed: This is a relatively new idea supported by preliminary data, but the specific pathway proposed has not yet been proven in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ANDRADE, FELIPE — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ANDRADE, FELIPE
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.