METHODS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OR PROGNOSIS OF RHEUMATIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASES

摘要

The invention relates to methods and kits for diagnosing or prognosing rheumatic inflammatory diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis) as well as for predicting or monitoring the responsiveness of a patient to a treatment against said diseases (such as TNF inhibitors). Methods of the invention comprise a step of measuring in a body fluid sample obtained from said patient (such as a blood sample): a) the expression level of Furin, b) the activity level of Furin, and/or c) the ratio of expression levels of mature form of a Furin substrate to an unprocessed form of said Furin substrate.