Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects approximately 0.3-0.5% of the world population. While its signature clinical manifestation is symmetrical joint inflammation, RA also involves systemic inflammation, causing damage in various organs. As many as 60% of patients with RA have anti-modified protein antibodies (AMPA) and/or rheumatoid factor (RF) in their serum, which typically predate the onset of symptoms by years. Though several treatments have been successfully developed to target RA-associated joint disease, the likelihood of a cure remains very low. Hence, the focus of RA research has shifted to early detection and even prevention. Although several genetic and environmental risk factors for RA have been identified, they contribute to only a small fraction of RA risk. Identification of novel risk factors and investigation into how the autoimmune process of RA is set into motion will be necessary to pave an effective path to preventing RA.
Recent studies have suggested that the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors for RA leads to mucosal dysbiosis, mucosal immune dysregulation and the breakdown of self-tolerance to modified self-antigens, such as citrullinated proteins, which subsequently result in the development of AMPA and RF, eventually triggering joint inflammation. However, the detailed immunological mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. This research topic aims to bring together recent advances in identifying risk factors for RA and their impacts on immune cells and the microbiome, as well as the molecular events predating the onset of clinical symptoms. This research will eventually lead to testable hypotheses regarding the origin of RA (and AMPA) and evidence-based strategies for RA prevention.
We welcome the submission of Original Research, Systemic Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles, with potential topics including, but not limited to:
1. Identification of novel genetic and environmental risk factors for RA
2. Investigation of the impact of genetic and environmental risk factors for RA on immune cells and the microbiome
3. Hypothesis and investigation of the origin of AMPA and the relationship between AMPA and rheumatoid factor
4. Investigation of the unique molecular features of AMPA and its pathogenic role in RA development
5. Investigation of the impacts of citrullination on the function of proteins and immune cells
6. Novel insights into RA prevention and molecular mechanisms tied to prevention strategies
Topic Editor Dr. Kristen Demoruelle received financial support from Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim for studies related to rheumatoid arthritis associated lung disease. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects approximately 0.3-0.5% of the world population. While its signature clinical manifestation is symmetrical joint inflammation, RA also involves systemic inflammation, causing damage in various organs. As many as 60% of patients with RA have anti-modified protein antibodies (AMPA) and/or rheumatoid factor (RF) in their serum, which typically predate the onset of symptoms by years. Though several treatments have been successfully developed to target RA-associated joint disease, the likelihood of a cure remains very low. Hence, the focus of RA research has shifted to early detection and even prevention. Although several genetic and environmental risk factors for RA have been identified, they contribute to only a small fraction of RA risk. Identification of novel risk factors and investigation into how the autoimmune process of RA is set into motion will be necessary to pave an effective path to preventing RA.
Recent studies have suggested that the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors for RA leads to mucosal dysbiosis, mucosal immune dysregulation and the breakdown of self-tolerance to modified self-antigens, such as citrullinated proteins, which subsequently result in the development of AMPA and RF, eventually triggering joint inflammation. However, the detailed immunological mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. This research topic aims to bring together recent advances in identifying risk factors for RA and their impacts on immune cells and the microbiome, as well as the molecular events predating the onset of clinical symptoms. This research will eventually lead to testable hypotheses regarding the origin of RA (and AMPA) and evidence-based strategies for RA prevention.
We welcome the submission of Original Research, Systemic Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles, with potential topics including, but not limited to:
1. Identification of novel genetic and environmental risk factors for RA
2. Investigation of the impact of genetic and environmental risk factors for RA on immune cells and the microbiome
3. Hypothesis and investigation of the origin of AMPA and the relationship between AMPA and rheumatoid factor
4. Investigation of the unique molecular features of AMPA and its pathogenic role in RA development
5. Investigation of the impacts of citrullination on the function of proteins and immune cells
6. Novel insights into RA prevention and molecular mechanisms tied to prevention strategies
Topic Editor Dr. Kristen Demoruelle received financial support from Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim for studies related to rheumatoid arthritis associated lung disease. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
