CCP Antibodies IgG/IgA Unit Converter

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies are autoantibodies that target proteins modified through a process called citrullination. When detected in the blood, they indicate that the immune system is mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues.

The test measures both IgG and IgA isotypes (classes) of these antibodies. IgG is the most commonly measured and clinically significant, present in approximately 70% of rheumatoid arthritis patients. IgA antibodies are found in a smaller subset but may indicate more aggressive disease.

Anti-CCP antibodies are highly specific markers for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and can appear years before symptoms develop. Combined testing for IgG and IgA may enhance diagnostic sensitivity, as some patients have IgA antibodies without detectable IgG.

Anti-CCP antibodies are produced by B cells (a type of white blood cell) as part of an abnormal immune response. The exact trigger is not fully understood, but citrullination of proteins in inflamed tissues, particularly in the joints and lungs, appears to initiate antibody production.