The present study suggests that these antibodies have a potential role in the pathogenesis of RA that could not be completely explained by, e.g., anti-CEP-1, anti-Fibß36-52 or anti-filaggrin antibodies alone and that certain combinations of the anti-VCP1, anti-VCP2, anti-HCP1 and anti-HCP2 antibodies are associated with an increased risk of developing RA. Here, CYCSP52 is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.