This is Section B of the "Manual of Biological Markers of Disease". It contains information on more than 20 autoantigens related to important autoimmune connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis and others. For every autoantigen, there are well annotated sections with detailed and complete information on detection methods, cellular localization, biochemical characteristics, function, cDNA and derived amino acid sequence, gene structure, B and T-cell epitopes and a list of available monoclonal antibodies. The chapters are all structured according to an easy-reference fixed template. The text is greatly enhanced by many schematic figures. After the initial purchase, the publisher will send the reader a supplement upon publication, together with an invoice, until such time as they are notified otherwise. The Manual of Section A and B is an authoritative compilation of methods for the detection of autoantibodies (Section A; Fall 1993); the structure, function and molecular and biochemical concepts of autoantigens (Section B; Spring 1994); and the clinical importance of measuring autoantibodies in patients with rheumatic, connective tissue and autoimmune diseases (Section C; 1994). Contributors include leading experts in the immunological, molecular biological and clinical fields. The format of this looseleaf publication allows regular updating of data as well as inclusion of new advances in research on autoimmunity. After Section C, Supplements to Sections B and C will be published with full information on autoantigens implicated in other autoimmune diseases such as diabetes mellitus and autoimmune thyroid and liver diseases. It is further intended to enlarge the scope of the Manual to include additional sections on other biological markers of arthritis and connective tissue diseases. This Manual should prove a useful text and reference book for bench scientists working in the field of autoimmunity, but also for rheumatologists, general (internal medicine) physicians or clinical immunologists caring for patients with autoimmune disorders.