CD40LG and rheumatoid arthritis: The diagnosis of RA is generally based on the presence and titer of specific autoantibodies (IgM RF and anti-CCP); joint involvement, according to the joint alignment and motion (JAM) score; the presence and extent of erosive disease on hand/wrist radiographs; functional status according to the health assessment questionnaires (HAQ) scores, age and calendar year of RA onset; the presence of nodules or other extra-articular manifestations; and the presence of other autoimmune diseases [3].