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Pathogenic effector functions of ACPA: Where do we stand?

“…While the concept that ACPA are agonistic agents is intriguing, the new findings ask for a critical re-interpretation of this possibility. Notably, the authors who described the monoclonal ACPA with osteoclastogenic and pain-inducing potential notified the community that, in reassessing the original data, the antibodies in question showed ‘no measurable affinity for the tested citrullinated peptides’ as detailed in a recent correction7 and retraction note5; in other words, the monoclonal antibodies studied were not ACPA. This observation is in line with crystallographic studies of some of these monoclonal antibodies that could not confirm the binding of citrullinated peptides 25.…”

“…The debate on the role of ACPA has been extensive and has now entered a new phase with the publication of correction notes appearing in this issue1 2 of Annals of the Rheumatic (ARD ). These notes concern papers that appeared in the journal in 20163 4 and follow a retraction note and correspondence in other journals 5–7…”