GLYCOSYLATION OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS - PROSPECTS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY IN RHEUMATOLOGY

Agalactosyl IgG [Gal(0)] is a glycoform of IgG that is found in normal individuals. Its level is raised in several diseases, including rheum atoid arthritis, tuberculosis and Crohn's disease. The function of Gal (0) is not yet known. It may play a regulatory role within the immune system, or have some effector function. Gal(0) levels not only reflect disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis, but are also predictive for disease development. It is conceivable that rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other diseases involving arthritis, increased antibody product ion and high Gal(0) levels, might be due to an infection with a cell w all-deficient mycobacterium. There is evidence that interleukin-6 is a ssociated with these diseases. Further research is needed to show whet her raised interleukin-6 and Gal(0) are epiphenomena, or whether they are important in the pathogenesis of diseases such as rheumatoid arthr itis. In the latter case a new approach to treatment could become poss ible.