Antibodies to Citrullinated Vimentin (anti-MCV)
Antibodies to mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) are IgG autoantibodies directed against the altered vimentin protein.
Vimentin is a structural protein normally present in the body's cells. During inflammation, it may undergo modification, causing the immune system to recognize it as a foreign substance and produce antibodies against it.
The presence of anti-MCV antibodies is associated with the development of autoimmune inflammation, primarily affecting the joints. These antibodies play an important role in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints and may lead to their destruction.
Anti-MCV belongs to the group of antibodies against citrullinated proteins and may be detected in the early stages of the disease, sometimes even before significant clinical symptoms appear.
Studies have also shown that anti-MCV levels may correlate with the activity of the inflammatory process and with a more aggressive course of the disease.