The present invention relates to methods for the treatment and repair of cartilage, including cartilage damaged by injury or cartilagenous disorders, including degenerative cartilagenous disorders such as arthritis, comprising the administration of IL-17 and / or LIF antagonists (e.g., anti-IL-17 and anti-LIF antibodies). Optionally, the administration may be in combination with a cartilage agent (e.g., peptide growth factor, catabolism antagonist, osteo-, synovial, anti-inflammatory factor). Alternatively, the method provides for the treatment and repair of cartilage damaged by injury or cartilagenous disorders comprising the administration of IL-17 or LIF antagonists in combination with standard surgical techniques. Alternatively, the method provides for the treatment and repair of cartilage damaged by injury or cartilagenous disorders comprising the administration of chondrocytes previously treated with an effective amount of IL-17 and / or LIF antagonist. Alternatively, the method provides for the treatment of a mammal suffering from a cartilagenous disorder, comprising the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an IL-17 and / or LIF antagonist.