Rheumatoid arthritis: Evolving recognition of a common disease

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a highly prevalent autoimmune disease and the most common form of autoimmune inflammatory arthritis. Studies of RA pathogenesis have contributed significantly to understanding the basis for complex immune-mediated disease, identified key steps in the development of autoimmune activation and joint damage in RA, and led to the development of targeted therapies that opened up the era biologic therapy. Current studies are linking differences in gene expression to abnormalities in cellular function that will help optimize therapy for individual patients and advance the goal of personalized medicine. Our evolving understanding and current important issues in RA are highlighted.