Many advances have occurred in the last 5 years especially in understanding genetic susceptibility factors, the role of immune response in chronic arthritis and the relationship between cellular processes that underlie inflammation and tissue damage. All these are dealt with in depth in the individual contributions. Genetics studies included illustrate how studies of HLA genes and genes controlling the autoantibody repertoire may be involved. Environmental factors are believed to be important and studies both in humans and in experimental models on the role of viral and bacterial agents are covered. The fascinating relationship between microbes, dysregulated immune responses and oncogenes are also examined. Since autoimmunity is the key aspect of the immunological response in rheumatoid arthritis, the role of antigens is re-examined as is the part played by immune T and B cells. New areas of clinical application of basic science is well presented in this book, forexample, in examining how markers of cartilage destruction may become important in monitoring disease activity. A chapter reviewing possible future novel therapies is included.

Is Rheumatoid Arthritis a Disappearing Disease?

Genetics
Genetic Factors in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis in Southeastern Europe
Pathogenesis
Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Cellular and Cytokine Interactions
Role of Cellular Adhesion in Rheumatoid Synovitis
Endothelial Cells and Dendritic Cells in Rheumatoid Inflammation
Cellular and Humoral Immune Response Against Articular Chondrocytes and Proteoglycans in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Role and Regulation of Synovial MHC Class II Antigens in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Related Diseases
CD5+ B Cells and Double-Negative T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Genetics of Rheumatoid Factors (RF): The V-gene Repertoire of RFs in Rheumatoid Arthritis as Analyzed by Hybridoma Clones
Neutrophil Polymorphonuclear Cell Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Etiologic Factors - Bacterial Antigens, Autoantigens, Viruses
Heat-Shock Proteins and Mycobacterial Antigens
Type-II Collagen in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Streptococcal Cell Wall Antigens and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Caprine Arthritis-Encephalitis
Oncogenes and Retroviruses in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Are Retroviruses Involved in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases?
Epstein-Barr Virus and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Antibodies to EBV-Encoded Proteins in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoantibodies and Markers of Disease Activity
The Antiperinuclear Factor (APF) and Antikeratin Antibodies (AKA) in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Anti-RA33: A New Antinuclear Antibody in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Acute-Phase Response and Amyloid
Markers of Cartilage Destruction
Therapy
Progress in the Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis
T-Cell Vaccination - A Prospect.