The Involvement of T Cells and Their Cytokines in Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

Dear Colleagues,

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), although one of the less common autoimmune rheumatic diseases, is the most complex, leading to tremendous suffering, disability, and substantial mortality. Unfortunately, the therapeutic toolbox for SSc patients is limited, for the most part, to symptomatic rather than curative or preventive medications. Thus, the need is imperative to enhance understanding of the basic immune mechanisms underlying SSc. In this regard, based on early research as well as a plethora of recent studies, a variety of T cell subsets including classical major histocompatibility (MHC) restricted CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, (e.g., regulatory T cells, cytotoxic CD4+ T cells, and follicular helper T cells) as well as nonclassical MHC-restricted NKT cells, gamma/delta T cells, and innate lymphoid cells, play important roles during initiation and progression of this devastating disease. Breakthrough studies have shown that, in some cases, pathogenic T cells in SSc may have been instigated by a response to tumor-derived autoantigens. In a plausible scenario, such antigen-activated T cells may drive a pathogenic response by acquiring effector functions, e.g., help for B cells producing disease-related autoantibodies, cytotoxicity against endothelial cells and, critically, the downstream elaboration of pathogenic pro-fibrotic cytokines. These effector responses may constitute important mechanisms driving the vasculopathy and widespread fibrotic phenotype underlying systemic sclerosis. The ever-expanding evidence supporting the crucial role of T cells in SSc indicates a crucial imperative to further underpin the mechanisms governing their involvement in the disease, with a view to creating novel preventive and curative therapeutic approaches.

The goal of this Special Issue is to provide a platform to fulfil this goal. Thus, we will review for publication papers addressing all multifaceted aspects of how T cells and their cytokines participate in the various aspects of SSc. Original studies involving both human patients and animal models are welcome.

Prof. Ilan Bank
Guest Editor

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• Systemic sclerosis 
• T cells 
• Fibrosis 
• Cytokines

• The Involvement of T Cells and Their Cytokines in Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)—Second Edition in Cells