Collagen-induced Arthritis Models.- Human Xenograft Model.- Long-term Constant Subcutaneous Drug Administration.- Clinical Scoring of Disease Activity in Animal Models.- Histological Analysis of Arthritic Joints.- Preparation of Joint Extracts.- Production of Immunizing Antigen Proteoliposome Using Cell-free Protein Synthesis System.- Re-construction of Protein/Liposome Complex.- Production of Neutralizing Antibody.- Autoantibody Profiling Using Human Autoantigen Protein Array and AlphaScreen.- Generation of Specific Aptamers.- Production of Lentiviral Particles.- RNA Interference Ex Vivo.- Lentiviral-mediated Systemic RNA Interference in vivo.- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Engineering.- Screening of Ca²⁺ Influx in Lymphocytes.- Single-cell Ca²⁺ Imaging.- Electrophysiological Methods to Measure Ca²⁺ Current.- The Functional Assessment of T cells.- Release of Antibodies and Cytokines from B cells.- Evaluation of Autoreactive Responses.- Bone-resorption Activity in Mature Osteoclasts.- Animal Models of Vasculitis.- Design an Intervention Study.- Assessment of Disease Activity, Structural Damage, and Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

This volume provides a summary of the standard laboratory protocols and methodology commonly used in basic and translational studies in the field of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. Chapters detail including basic RA models, evaluation of disease activity and immunological status, systemic drug delivery, and new research tools. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.