Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 25: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) might quietly develop years before any joint pain appears, according to a groundbreaking study published in Science Translational Medicine. Researchers found that the immune system starts attacking the body long before the classic symptoms of swollen or stiff joints emerge.

The study focused on people at high risk for RA who already carried specific antibodies in their blood. Even without pain, their immune systems showed warning signs. Scientists observed abnormal behaviour in B cells and T cells, widespread inflammation, and epigenetic changes that “programmed” immune cells to be aggressive. Blood cells even began to resemble those seen in inflamed joints, suggesting that RA is active beneath the surface well before symptoms start.

A key marker is the presence of anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), which target proteins altered during inflammation. Doctors already use tests like anti-CCP to detect these antibodies—often years before joint damage occurs—making ACPAs a crucial tool for early diagnosis.

Experts say the findings could transform how RA is detected and treated. Instead of waiting for painful symptoms, doctors could screen high-risk individuals using blood tests and immune profiling to predict and prevent the disease. Early intervention might stop joint damage before it starts and even help catch other autoimmune conditions such as lupus or type 1 diabetes sooner.

For those with a family history of autoimmune disease, the research underscores the importance of early antibody testing. Detecting RA in its silent phase could mean fewer flare-ups, less disability, and a much better quality of life.