A search for rheumatoid arthritis-associated nuclear antigen and Epstein-Barr virus specific antigens or genomes in tissues and cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Pannus extracts and/or cells and tissues from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and controls were tested for the presence of RA-associated nuclear antigen (RANA), anti-RANA, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific antigens, and EBV genomes. Using our present rather insensitive methods, RANA was rarely detected in RA pannus extracts or tissues, whereas anti-RANA was commonly found. EBV-specific antigens or genomes could not be detected in a limited number of tissues tested using our present methods. The data suggest that EBV may not be the primary event causing RA through direct infection and transformation of synovial tissues.
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis; D000941:Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000276:immunology; D005814:Genes, Viral; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D014020:Tissue Extracts
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D000941:Antigens; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D000939:Epitopes; D014020:Tissue Extracts