What is an anti-CCP test?
What is an anti-CCP test? This test is used to help diagnose and prognosticate rheumatoid arthritis and differentiate it from other types of arthritis. CCPs (cyclic citrullinated peptides) come from the maturation of proteins in the body. These products fulfill several cellular functions. The immune system is responsible for defending the body against attacks from foreign cells and organisms: bacteria, viruses, parasites and transplanted cells. Often, the immune system goes awry and confuses some of its own tissues as foreign. The production of antibodies against its own tissues is the cause of a large number of “autoimmune” diseases. Several types of arthritis, lupus, pernicious anemia , juvenile diabetes and some thyroid disorders are autoimmune in origin. The immune system’s production of antibodies against its own cyclic citrullinated peptides is the cause of rheumatoid arthritis . There are several dozen forms of arthritis (joint inflammation): in add...