The incidence of autoimmune diseases is increasing worldwide, and the search for better management of these diseases and even for a cure is being pursued by scientists from many disciplines. Tools from the areas of genetics, neuroscience, cell biology, virology, and infectious disease are being applied to the problem and are yielding useful results. This is the fourth and final volume of a series on autoimmunity, and findings related to particular clinical manifestations are presented, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, antiphospholipid antibodies, and infections and autoantibodies. Part A presents new principles in autoimmunity and new diagnostic tools; Part B focuses on genetics and advances in treatment; and Part C begins the focus on the clinical venue. NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas. ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit http://www.nyas.org/MemberCenter/Join.aspx for more information about becoming a member