The surprisingly strong correlation between serum CXCL13 levels and RF (IgM and IgA) titers, relative to that seen with either serum IgG or IgG-ACPA levels, in both an established RA cohort and a recent-onset, mostly untreated RA cohort may clarify the role of CXCL13 in autoantibody production. This evidence concerns the gene CD40LG and rheumatoid arthritis.