WARF TECHNOLOGIES

Rheumatoid factors (RFs) are antibodies that commonly develop in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an incurable autoimmune disease that affects ~1% of the population. RFs bind to IgG and other antibodies and amplify the immune response. In the case of RA, this leads to chronic inflammation and damage to bones and joints. To avoid permanent destruction of joints, therapeutic interventions must begin during early stages of disease progression. Currently, no diagnostic tests that can identify patients at risk of developing RA exist, making early intervention difficult.

RFs also rise in patients with other inflammatory conditions such as COVID-19. High levels of RFs were shown to improve outcomes of COVID-19 patients who received convalescent plasma treatment.

A UW-Madison researcher has identified IgG peptide sequences that bind RFs involved in RA and COVID-19. These peptides can potentially be used as diagnostic markers to identify patients at risk of developing RA, allowing for earlier diagnosis of RA. Preventative treatments could be implemented before severe disease progression.

The IgG peptides could also be used to develop COVID-19 therapeutics. RFs could be isolated from COVID-19 patients and used in convalescent plasma treatments to improve outcomes. Additionally, RFs could be created and used for treatment of COVID-19.

• Differentiate RFs involved in RA and other diseases
• Identify patients at risk of developing RA
• Improve outcomes of COVID-19 patients

• Potential diagnostic tool that would allow for early recognition of RA with enough time for preventative treatment
• Prospective treatment option for COVID-19, which currently lacks sufficient therapeutics

The researcher has identified peptides that bind RFs associated with RA and COVID-19. She has demonstrated potential of these peptides as a diagnostic tool for detecting likelihood of developing RA, as well potential for treating COVID-19.

For More Information About the Inventors

• Miriam Shelef

Publications

• Mergaert et al. Rheumatoid Factor and Anti-Modified Protein Antibody Reactivities Converge on IgG Epitopes. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2022 Jun;74(6):984-991. doi: 10.1002/art.42064. Epub 2022 Apr 10. PMID: 35001558; PMCID: PMC9156533.

Tech Fields

• Diagnostics & Biomarkers : Biomarkers
• Drug Discovery & Development : Drug production & design