> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.finngen.fi/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.finngen.fi/finngen-data-specifics/disease-specific-task-forces-and-interest-groups/rheumatic-diseases-task-force.md).

# Rheumatic Diseases Task Force

Chairs: Johanna Paltta (FinnGen), Dawn Waterworth (J\&J)

**Main scientific questions**

Aim 1: Genetic and Proteomic Determinants of Disease Course and Treatment Response to biologics

* Assess whether genetic and proteomic factors influence disease activity, progression, and response to biologic therapies in inflammatory rheumatic diseases, with a primary focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Analyses will be extended to Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), and systemic connective tissue diseases where sample size permits.
* Sub-aim: Evaluate the role of autoantibodies in disease progression and treatment response.

Aim 2: Shared Genetic Architecture Across Immune-Mediated Diseases

* Quantify pleiotropy between inflammatory immune-mediated diseases.

All Task Force related summary statistics can be found from: /finngen/library-green/task\_force/

All Task Force GWASes can be found from Task Force PheWeb: <https://results.taskforce.finngen.fi/>

More detailed Scientific proposal, meeting materials and analysis documentation can be found in [Teams here](https://helsinkifi.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/FinnGen150/EreJeL5V8ypHtzvpPnQlcTEBm2wDth2udndJxxSZWnKRRQ?e=tO3Dwa)

If you don't have access to the Teams Group, write to <finngen-admin@helsinki.fi>.

{% content-ref url="/pages/KVfzW9Ph6zCgKJuYlBk2" %}
[How do I join the FinnGen Teams group?](/faq/about-finngen-access-and-accounts/how-do-i-join-the-finngen-teams-group.md)
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