Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common and most severe form of i nflammatory arthritis. The pathogenesis of RA has been the subject of intense research for several decades. The prevailing hypotheses have c hanged over the years, and have attempted to incorporate the most rece nt data. Although T cells represent an important component of the cell s that infiltrate the joint synovium, their contribution at a late sta ge of the disease remains a matter of debate.

The purpose of this volume in the Progress in Inflammation Research series is to provide the biomedical and clinical researcher with a state-of-the-art insight in the role of cytokines in joint inflammation and joint destruction. This is of relevance for better understanding of key processes in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Apart from the impact of old and novel cytokines on joint tissues, the various chapters address the issue of targeted therapy with biological response modifiers and future interventions with carefully designed inhibitors. Spe- cial...