Role of collagen type II specific antibodies in arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease resulting in destruction of cartilage and bone. The role of the B cells in RA pathogenesis clearly involves autoantibodies. Collagen type II (CII)-specific antibodies have been identified in RA synovium and synovial fluid. The work in this thesis is focused on the role of CII specific antibodies in the initiation and pathogenesis of arthr
