title: [Current data on rheumatoid factors].
abstract: Rheumatoid factors are autoantibodies against the Fc fragment of IgGs. The polyclonal rheumatoid factors found in autoimmune diseases are distinct from the monoclonal rheumatoid factors produced in lymphoproliferative disorders in that they rarely express public idiotypes, are relatively specific for their Fc, and exhibit increased affinity. They may be derived from natural rheumatoid factors. The role of the latter is unclear but may involve presentation of immune complex antigens to T cells.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CHU, Brest.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Youinou
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Le Goff
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D000939:Epitopes / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000276:immunology; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000939:Epitopes; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor