Method for detecting rheumatoid arthritis employing the CB10 peptide of mammalian type II collagen as an antigen

Abstract

An highly specific and sensitive approach to detecting antibodies to collagen in a biological sample entails contacting the sample with an antigen that comprises the CB10 peptide of mammalian type II collagen, or with an antibody-binding fragment of that peptide, under conditions conducive to formation of an antibody-antigen complex, which then is detected.

1 . A kit detecting anti-collagen antibody in a biological sample, wherein said antibody is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, comprising (i) an antigenic preparation comprising the CB10 peptide of mammalian type II collagen or an antibody-binding fragment of said peptide and (ii) means for detecting a complex formed between said antigenic preparation and antibody from said sample.  
     
     
         2 . A diagnostic kit for the detection of antibodies to collagen in a biological sample from a patient, comprising, in compartmental form, an antigenic preparation comprising the CB10 peptide of mammalian type II collagen, or an antibody-binding fragment or variant thereof, and means for detection of a complex formed between said antigen and antibodies to collagen in said biological sample.