Abstract: Methods and assays examining expression of one or more biomarkers in a sample are provided for predicting or indicating the effectiveness of treatment of a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient with a B-cell antagonist. Methods are provided for identifying patients whose RA is likely to be responsive to anti-RA therapy using a B-cell-antagonist. Methods for treating such patients with B-cell antagonists that incorporate the above methodology are also provided. Further provided are kits and articles of manufacture useful for such methods.

Abstract: Methods and materials involved in diagnosing SLE are provided herein. The methods and materials can be used to diagnose SLE and/or assess a mammal's susceptibility to develop SLE, based on the presence or absence of one or more IRF-5 variants.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in diagnosing SLE. For example, this document provides arrays for detecting polypeptides that can be used to diagnose SLE in a mammal. In addition, methods and materials for assessing SLE activity, determining the likelihood of experiencing active SLE, and detecting SLE treatment effectiveness are provided herein.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in diagnosing SLE. For example, this document relates to methods and materials involved in diagnosing SLE, diagnosing severe SLE, and assessing a mammal's susceptibility to develop severe SLE. For example, this document provides nucleic acid arrays that can be used to diagnose SLE in a mammal. Such arrays can allow clinicians to diagnose SLE based on a simultaneous determination of the expression levels of many genes that are differentially expressed in SLE patients as compared to healthy controls. In addition, methods and materials for assessing SLE activity, determining the likelihood of experiencing active SLE, and detecting SLE treatment effectiveness are provided herein.