Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a common chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by joint inflammation and progressive cartilage destruction. Molecules, called cytokines, produced by cells from the immune system, trigger this degenerative process. Cytokines are responsible for activating a protein, which in turn induces the production of enzymes and molecules that amplify the inflammatory process. The enzyme responsible for protein activation by cytokines has recently been discovered. Dr. Delhase will study the molecular mechanism of this enzyme and identify potential new molecules involved in the initiation of the inflammatory process. The goal of this work is to develop new therapies to block inflammation in the early stage of RA before irreversible joint damage has occurred.