Wim B. van den Berg – författare

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 attention is given to elements of synovial cell activation, cell-cell interaction, cytokine interplay as well as mechanisms of cartilage destruction and bone erosion. In addition to an outline of the role of established cytokines, such as TNF, IL-l and IL-6, new information is given on the novel cytokines IL-15, IL-17 and IL-18 and their positioning in the complex cytokine interplay. Cytokine regulation of destructive enzymes, RANKL, the endogenous inhibitor OPG and their crucial roles as central players in joint erosion are highlighted. Together, the chapters provide a complete and balanced view on pivotal cytokines and joint pathology.

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 attention is given to elements of synovial cell activation, cell-cell interaction, cytokine interplay as well as mechanisms of cartilage destruction and bone erosion. In addition to an outline of the role of established cytokines, such as TNF, IL-l and IL-6, new information is given on the novel cytokines IL-15, IL-17 and IL-18 and their positioning in the complex cytokine interplay. Cytokine regulation of destructive enzymes, RANKL, the endogenous inhibitor OPG and their crucial roles as central players in joint erosion are highlighted. Together, the chapters provide a complete and balanced view on pivotal cytokines and joint pathology.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common and most severe form of inflammatory arthritis. The pathogenesis of RA has been the subject of intense research for several decades. The prevailing hypotheses have changed over the years, and have attempted to incorporate the most recent data. Although T cells represent an important component of the cells which infiltrate the joint synovium, their contribution at a late stage of the disease remains a matter of debate. The goal of this book is to outline the major arguments and data suggesting that T cells may, or may not, be central players in the pathogenesis of chronic RA. While each of the editors and authors has his/her own bias (as will be clear by reading the respective chapters), our hope is that the readers will enjoy a complete and balanced view of the critical questions and experiments. This is not just an intellectual exercise since the direction of future therapeutic interventions depends heavily on how one interprets the pathogenesis of RA and the contribution of T cells.