[Rheumatoid arthritis].

Pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis is likely to implicate anti-citrullinated protein/ peptide antibody(ACPA) and an immunodistortion including abnormal T cell subpopulation. Based on above and other recent findings, new biological agents targeted to inflammatory cytokines such as tocilizumab, activated T cells (abatacept) or B cells (ocrelizumab), as well as new small molecule drugs such as JAK3 inhibitor, are sure to further facilitate remission without impaired activity of daily life in patients with RA. The contribution of Japanese physician-scientists to the progress in rheumatology has been significant as described in this review, and it must be increasingly greater in the near future.