It is hypothesised that, if this link were disrupted through the inhibitory action of c-KIT TK activity, then inflammatory diseases such as RA could be controlled; that is, MCs are strongly implicated in RA pathogenesis, SCF is closely associated with MCs, and c-KIT is intrinsically linked with SCF; hence, inhibition of the c-KIT pathway affects RA. The gene discussed is KIT; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.