Expression of 9G4 idiotope on autoantibodies to citrullinated peptides in patients with early inflammatory arthritis and established rheumatoid arthritis

The expression of VH4 gene family during immunoglobulin heavy chain synthesis has been detected in autoimmune diseases. In particular, the rat monoclonal antibody 9G4 detects VH4-34-encoded immunoglobulins and B cells expressing these antibodies as surface receptor (autoreactive 9G4+ B cells).