Decreased levels of a soluble form of the human adhesion receptor CD58 (LFA-3) in sera and synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

This study indicates that serum and SF sCD58 levels in patients with RA are reduced compared to the levels in normal controls and patients with OA or SpA. Decreased albumin concentrations due to systemic inflammation may lead to reduced sCD58 levels. Since sCD58 may normally mediate de-adhesion, such a reduction could result in increased T cell adhesiveness.