Perspectives from masters in rheumatology and autoimmunity: Can we get closer to a cure for rheumatoid arthritis?

Abstract

Welcome to our new series, Perspectives From Masters in Rheumatology and Autoimmunity. Our goal in publishing this series of articles is to give readers the opportunity to hear the rich perspectives of individuals in rheumatology who have contributed mightily-indeed have led their fields-in a specific rheumatic disease or in a specific discipline related to the study of autoimmunity. Dr. Paul Plotz' article on autoimmunity in the November 2014 issue, which was transcribed from one of his inspiring lectures, sparked this idea. Authors have been given relatively free rein to develop their ideas that have had and will have the most impact on the field, without encumbering them with bibliography requirements. We are thrilled that our inaugural Perspectives article is written by Professors Sir Marc Feldmann and Sir Ravinder Maini, winners of the Lasker and many other awards for their groundbreaking work in establishing the role of tumor necrosis factor in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and in the development of tumor necrosis factor antagonists which have transformed the lives of our patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Enjoy, and stay tuned for the next Perspectives article, by Professor James Fries.