Soluble CD21 in sera and synovial fluid of arthritic patients

Publication

Soluble CD21 in sera and synovial fluid of arthritic patients

Journal Paper/Review - Jan 1, 2006

Grottenthaler Thomas, von Kempis Johannes, Goldacker Sigune, Illges Harald

Citation

Grottenthaler T, von Kempis J, Goldacker S, Illges H. Soluble CD21 in sera and synovial fluid of arthritic patients. Rheumatology international 2006; 26:240-3.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Rheumatology international 2006; 26

Publication Date

Jan 1, 2006

Issn Print

0172-8172

Pages

240-3

Brief description/objective

Soluble CD21 (sCD21) is the ectodomain of the CD21 glycoprotein released by shedding from the cellular membrane. The ectodomain of CD21 is capable of binding complement fragments, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and CD23. Functionally sCD21 can activate monocytes and abrogate B-cell/follicular dendritic cell interaction, thereby inhibiting antibody production by antigen primed B cells. Levels of sCD21 vary in several clinical conditions. Here we analyzed sCD21 in synovial fluids and sera in arthritic patients. sCD21 concentrations were consistently lower in synovial fluids compared to paired sera samples from the same patients. In contrast to healthy donors, sCD21 levels are significantly reduced in rheumatoid arthritis patient's sera. Potential causes and consequences of the data are discussed.