Mutated citrullinated Vimentin
Encyclopedia
Detection of autoantibodies against mutated citrullinated vimentin is part of RA diagnostics (rheumatoid arthritis
), especially in sera negative for rheumatoid factor
(RF negative sera). Anti-MCV antibodies are member of ACPA
family, a group of the so called antibodies to citrullinated protein/peptide antigens.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Detection of specific autoantibodies (antibodies directed against the body’s own tissue) such as rheumatoid factors and ACPAs may provide indication of the disease. In many cases, autoimmune diagnostics are crucial for diagnosing RA correctly and already in the disease’s early stages, when typical symptoms often are lacking but when medical therapy is most effective.
of proteins permanently takes place in cell metabolism. It is considered as a body’s own effect. At this a certain amino acid (arginine) is converted into citrulline, an atypical amino acid. The modified (citrullinated) protein is assumed to be foreign to the body, and auto-reactive antibodies directed against the body’s own structures are brought out. These auto-antibodies get inflammation response going, what will result in autoimmune disorder.
Various kinds of citrullinated proteins have been detected in the joints of RA patients. One of these is Sa antigen, now known as mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV).
Citrullination of vimentin
plays a decisive role in RA pathogenesis.
Recently a serological point-of-care test (POCT) for the early detection of RA has been developed. This assay combines the detection of rheumatoid factor and anti-MCV for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and shows a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 99.7%.
Anti-MCV are used as efficient biomarkers for estimating progress of rheumatoid arthritis. Main advantage of testing for anti-MCV is the early appearance of the anti-MCV antibodies, what allows for detection of early RA and submits adequate therapy just after the disease’s onset. Moreover, anti-MCV titres show strong correlation to disease activity, disease severity and the success of therapy.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. The process produces an inflammatory response of the synovium secondary to hyperplasia of synovial cells, excess synovial fluid, and the development...
), especially in sera negative for rheumatoid factor
Rheumatoid factor
Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody most relevant in rheumatoid arthritis. It is defined as an antibody against the Fc portion of IgG. RF and IgG join to form immune complexes that contribute to the disease process...
(RF negative sera). Anti-MCV antibodies are member of ACPA
Anti-citrullinated protein antibody
Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies or anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies are autoantibodies that are frequently detected in the blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients...
family, a group of the so called antibodies to citrullinated protein/peptide antigens.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Detection of specific autoantibodies (antibodies directed against the body’s own tissue) such as rheumatoid factors and ACPAs may provide indication of the disease. In many cases, autoimmune diagnostics are crucial for diagnosing RA correctly and already in the disease’s early stages, when typical symptoms often are lacking but when medical therapy is most effective.
Basics
CitrullinationCitrullination
Citrullination or deimination is the term used for the post-translational modification of the amino acid arginine in a protein into the amino acid citrulline. This reaction, shown below, is performed by enzymes called peptidylarginine deiminases...
of proteins permanently takes place in cell metabolism. It is considered as a body’s own effect. At this a certain amino acid (arginine) is converted into citrulline, an atypical amino acid. The modified (citrullinated) protein is assumed to be foreign to the body, and auto-reactive antibodies directed against the body’s own structures are brought out. These auto-antibodies get inflammation response going, what will result in autoimmune disorder.
Various kinds of citrullinated proteins have been detected in the joints of RA patients. One of these is Sa antigen, now known as mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV).
Citrullination of vimentin
Vimentin
Vimentin is a type III intermediate filament protein that is expressed in mesenchymal cells. IF proteins are found in all metazoan cells as well as bacteria. IF, along with tubulin-based microtubules and actin-based microfilaments, comprise the cytoskeleton...
plays a decisive role in RA pathogenesis.
Significance
In rheumatology diagnostics, autoantibodies against mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) are of prominent diagnostic and prognostic value. Their significance is greater than that of rheumatoid factor.Recently a serological point-of-care test (POCT) for the early detection of RA has been developed. This assay combines the detection of rheumatoid factor and anti-MCV for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and shows a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 99.7%.
Anti-MCV are used as efficient biomarkers for estimating progress of rheumatoid arthritis. Main advantage of testing for anti-MCV is the early appearance of the anti-MCV antibodies, what allows for detection of early RA and submits adequate therapy just after the disease’s onset. Moreover, anti-MCV titres show strong correlation to disease activity, disease severity and the success of therapy.