In vitro eradication of citrullinated protein specific B-lymphocytes of rheumatoid arthritis patients by targeted bifunctional nanoparticles

Autoreactive B cells are crucial players in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Autoantibodies specific for citrullinated proteins (ACPA), present in the serum of approximately 60-70 % of patients, have a pathogenic role in the disease. B cell depleting therapies may result in a transient immunosuppression, increasing the risk of infections. Our aim was to develop a new therapeutic approach to selectively deplete the ACPA producing autoreactive B cells. To target B cells synthetic citrullinated peptide derived from the β chain of fibrin, β60-74Cit 60,72,74 (β60-74Cit), the predomina... Mehr ...