20090325884 | Method for Detecting Autoantibodies Formed in Rheumatoid Arthritis - Autoantibodies reacting against citrullinated peptides derived from C-telopeptides of type I and type II collagens are found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They detect sequences —YYXA from α1 or —FYXA from α2 chain of type I collagen or —YMXA from α1 chain of type II collagen, where X is citrulline. The antibodies are different from anti-filaggrin antibodies. The peptides of the invention can be used in diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Oral administration of citrullinated peptides can induce tolerance and lead to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. | 12-31-2009 |