Definition of Citrulline antibody

Citrulline antibody: An immune protein (antibody) that binds to a non-standard amino acid, citrulline, which is formed by removing amino groups from the natural amino acid, arginine. Citrulline antibody is present in the blood of many patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It is used in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis when evaluating patients with unexplained joint inflammation. Also known as anti-citrulline antibody, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, CCP antibody, and anti-CCP antibody.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24648
Last Editorial Review: 3/19/2012