Many targeted therapies employing biologicals used in the treatment of patients with rheumatic disease are directed against molecules that play a dedicated role in the induction or propagation of immune responses. In the context of this presentation, the function of- and place in the immune system of several of the molecules targeted by different biologicals will be discussed in relation to their role in the immune response against invading pathogens as well as in relation to auto-immunity.

Disclosure of Interest None declared

DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.6323