Asialylated immunoglobulins and rheumatoid factors

A covalently coupled IgG-latex reagent was instrumental in isolating rheumatoid factors (RF) from normal immunoglobulins in the sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It was found that RF contained hyposialylated immunoglobulins of both IgG and IgM classes. This biochemical alteration might be relevant to understanding the etiopathogenesis of the disease.