Abstract: A method for quantifying an ADAMTS5 gene, the method includes: measuring an amount of the ADAMTS5 gene in a sample through a quantitative PCR, wherein a primer consisting of a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 and a primer consisting of a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 are used as an amplification primer pair for amplifying a region including the ADAMTS5 gene.

Abstract: Provided are: a novel test method for rheumatoid arthritis; and a kit for rheumatoid arthritis test, which is used in the novel test method for rheumatoid arthritis. A test method for rheumatoid arthritis according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a step for measuring the amount of talin in the plasma or serum of an animal subject. This measurement is carried out, for example, by an immunological method using an antibody which binds to talin. A kit for rheumatoid arthritis test according to the present invention is used for such a test method and contains, for example, a solid-phase carrier to which an antibody that binds to talin is affixed.

Abstract: Provided are: a novel test method for rheumatoid arthritis; and a kit for rheumatoid arthritis test, which is used in the novel test method for rheumatoid arthritis. A test method for rheumatoid arthritis according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a step for measuring the amount of talin in the plasma or serum of an animal subject. This measurement is carried out, for example, by an immunological method using an antibody which binds to talin. A kit for rheumatoid arthritis test according to the present invention is used for such a test method and contains, for example, a solid-phase carrier to which an antibody that binds to talin is affixed.

Abstract: A method for predicting pharmacological efficacy of a human anti-TNF? antibody drug against rheumatoid arthritis, the method including: measuring a level of at least one of ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 in a sample derived from a subject, and determining whether or not the human anti-TNF? antibody drug is efficacious against rheumatoid arthritis of the subject, based on the level of the at least one of ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 serving as an index.

Abstract: A method for predicting a pharmaceutical efficacy of an anti-TNF? antibody drug against rheumatoid arthritis, the method including measuring an amount of ADAMTS5 contained in a sample derived from a subject, and determining whether or not the anti-TNF? antibody drug is efficient against rheumatoid arthritis by employing the amount of ADAMTS5 as an index.

Abstract: A method of screening a novel BAFF suppressor or inhibitor. More specifically speaking, a method which comprises adding a combination of TPA with ionomycin and/or an anti-CD3 antibody to a cultured human cell to thereby induce the production of BAFF by the cell; a method of screening a substance capable of suppressing the expression or activity of BAFF which comprises adding a test substance to a BAFF-production system prepared by adding a combination of TPA with ionomycin and/or an anti-CD3 antibody to a cultured human cell and measuring the expression amount and/or the activity of BAFF in the BAFF-production system; and a BAFF production inducer for a BAFF-producing cell which contains a combination of TPA with ionomycin and/or an anti-CD3 antibody.

Abstract: A method of screening a novel BAFF suppressor or inhibitor. More specifically speaking, a method which comprises adding a combination of TPA with ionomycin and/or an anti-CD3 antibody to a cultured human cell to thereby induce the production of BAFF by the cell; a method of screening a substance capable of suppressing the expression or activity of BAFF which comprises adding a test substance to a BAFF-production system prepared by adding a combination of TPA with ionomycin and/or an anti-CD3 antibody to a cultured human cell and measuring the expression amount and/or the activity of BAFF in the BAFF-production system; and a BAFF production inducer for a BAFF-producing cell which contains a combination of TPA with ionomycin and/or an anti-CD3 antibody.

Abstract: A method of screening a novel BAFF suppressor or inhibitor. More specifically speaking, a method which comprises adding a combination of TPA with ionomycin and/or an anti-CD3 antibody to a cultured human cell to thereby induce the production of BAFF by the cell; a method of screening a substance capable of suppressing the expression or activity of BAFF which comprises adding a test substance to a BAFF-production system prepared by adding a combination of TPA with ionomycin and/or an anti-CD3 antibody to a cultured human cell and measuring the expression amount and/or the activity of BAFF in the BAFF-production system; and a BAFF production inducer for a BAFF-producing cell which contains a combination of TPA with ionomycin and/or an anti-CD3 antibody.