The invention relates to methods of selecting a subject, and methods of treating the subject with an anti-VLA-1 antibody. In one embodiment the first therapeutic agent is a DMARD (Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drug), such as gold salts； hydroxychloroquine； an antifolate, such as methotrexate； a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor, such as leflunomide； or a sulfa drug, such as sulfasalazine. For example, the DMARD can be methotrexate, administered at a dose of mg/week or less； leflunomide, administered at a dose of 20 mg/day or less； sulfasalazine, administered at a dose of 3000 mg/day or less； or hydroxychloroquine, administered at a dose of 400 mg/day or less.
