Integrative Multiomics Approaches Identify Biomarkers Associated With Progression From Arthralgia to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors' conclusion
These findings delineate a critical transition from reversible immune dysregulation to established autoimmunity along the arthralgia-RA continuum, suggesting that Treg cell-related dysregulation may be associated with progression toward persistent inflammatory arthritis.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with recent-onset arthralgia
- Participants
- 346 patients
- Exposure
- Arthralgia at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) vs self-limiting arthralgia, early RA, established RA and healthy controls
- Outcome
- Discrimination of ARI from SLA (AUC)
Methodological detailsmultiomics (peripheral immune cell phenotyping, serum proteomics, autoantibody profiling), 24-month follow-up
- Multiomics (peripheral immune cell phenotyping, serum proteomics, autoantibody profiling)
- 24-month follow-up
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Treg/Th17 cell ratio, AUC
0.734
Anti-CCP, AUC
0.611
Treg/Th17 cell ratio in ACPA-negative patients, AUC
0.729
Treg cells + anti-CCP + Treg/Th17 cell ratio combined, AUC
0.783
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Values |
|---|---|
| Progression to RA in ARI (converters) · 24 months | ARI 18.4% |
Progression to RA in ARI (converters) · 24 months
- Baseline immunophenotype comparable in converters and nonconverters; longitudinal paired analyses showed reduction in Treg cells and Treg/Th17 cell ratio
Serum proteomics
- Upregulation of C5, α-1-B glycoprotein, RPUSD4, WDR87 and FUBP2, inversely associated with Treg cells
Autoantibody profiling
- Stage-specific reactivity; ARI showed elevated antibodies against stress-related proteins
Original publication
Integrative Multiomics Approaches Identify Biomarkers Associated With Progression From Arthralgia to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. Published 20 April 2026. doi:10.
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