Introduction
B cells play an important role in the perpetuation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly as autoantibody producing cells. The immune complexes that further develop deposit in the joints and aggravate the inflammatory process. However, B cells contribution in the very early stage of the disease remains unknown.
Aim
To determine the concentration of cytokines potentially relevant for B cell activation in serum from very early polyarthritis patients, with less than 6 weeks of disease duration, who latter on evolved into RA (VERA).
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Patients and methods
APRIL, BAFF and IL-21 levels were measured by ELISA in the serum of VERA, other very early arthritis (VEA), established RA patients and controls. Synovial fluid (SF) samples of established RA were also analyzed.
Results
VERA patients have higher levels of APRIL and BAFF as compared to VEA, established RA and controls. Furthermore, APRIL and BAFF levels are also significantly elevated in RA-SF when compared to serum.
Conclusions
The increased levels of APRIL and BAFF in VERA patients suggests that B cell activation and the development of autoreactive B cell responses might be crucial in early phases of RA. Therefore, APRIL and BAFF could be promising targets for therapy in the early phase of RA.
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