Immunoglobulin Deficiencies in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Author(s): J. Kelly Smith, David Lurie, Rhesa Dykes, Scott Reynolds, Karen Cantor, David Chi, and Steven Berk.

Rheumatic diseases are more frequent in patients with immunoglobulin deficiencies than in those with intact humoral immunity. This study investigates the immunoglobulin profiles of 45 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 45 matched controls. Our analysis revealed a higher prevalence of IgE, IgA, and IgG subclass deficiencies in RA patients, especially among those with secondary autoimmune conditions. These immunoglobulin deficits may predispose to autoimmunity via impaired mucosal exclusion, altered cytokine signaling, and defective complement regulation.