Disclosed are 4- and 5-alkynyloxindoles as well as 4- and 5-alkenyloxindoles that inhibit or modulate protein kinases, in particular JNK protein kinases. The compounds of the invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and prodrugs of said compounds, are useful as anti-inflammatory agents, particularly useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the foregoing compounds, methods for the treatment and/or control of inflammation, particularly in the treatment or control of rheumatoid arthritis using these compounds, as well as intermediates useful in the preparation of compounds of the invention.