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Single-cell proteomic techniques that use elemental (heavy metal) reporter ions increase the number of parameters that can be studied at once in whole tissues. This Review discusses the practical aspects of using such technologies in rheumatic disease research.
Repurposing of drugs for and among rheumatic autoimmune inflammatory diseases can introduce promising new treatments. New knowledge about these diseases and the development of data-driven techniques are identifying new pathways and targets for repurposing.
Asymptomatic hyperuricaemia precedes and potentially contributes to the development of gout and other chronic diseases. This review summarizes what is known about the effects of uric acid on pro-inflammatory responses.
Myofibroblasts are important mediators of wound healing but can also perpetuate fibrosis in diseases such as systemic sclerosis by evading apoptosis. Therapeutic targeting of the survival mechanisms used by these cells in fibrotic disease holds promise for the reversal of fibrosis.
A number of core pathways and mechanisms of fibrosis, outlined in this Review, are shared across different tissues and might therefore present targets for general antifibrotic strategies. Organ-specific and disease-specific differences in fibrotic diseases could also provide insights for drug development efforts.
Chemokines have an important function in the recruitment and positioning of immune cells, and multiple chemokines are implicated in various rheumatic diseases. Blocking the chemokine system has therapeutic promise for the treatment of these diseases but requires further optimization.
This Review outlines several genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that could explain sex bias in rheumatic diseases, including X chromosome inactivation, sex chromosome aneuploidy and microchimerism, considering evidence from clinical and experimental studies.
Palindromic rheumatism has similarities with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its prodromes but also has distinct features. This Review explores the concept of palindromic rheumatism as part of the RA continuum and outlines an updated paradigm for this unique syndrome.
Different imaging modalities, such as radiography, MRI and CT, have different advantages and can help the clinician with different aspects in assessing axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). This Review covers imaging aspects relating to the diagnosis, classification and management of axSpA.
Therapies targeting IL-23 have failed in clinical trials in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), despite the importance of the IL-23–IL-17 pathway in axSpA pathogenesis. This Review explores whether IL-17 production might be uncoupled from IL-23 in axSpA.
Cytokines from the IL-1 family perform important functions in innate immune reactions, but can also be involved in chronic inflammatory diseases. This Review highlights the roles of IL-1 family members in rheumatic diseases and potential therapeutic approaches to targeting them.
Data from clinical trials of novel targeted therapies for psoriatic arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, which have produced sometimes surprising results, can inform our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of these diseases and help to identify the most relevant therapeutic targets.
Chikungunya can be a mild and self-limiting disease, but can also involve a complex spectrum of atypical, severe and/or chronic rheumatic manifestations that place a considerable burden on individuals. New strategies are under development to help treat and prevent this disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated lung disease is difficult to treat and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A better understanding of the pathogenic pathways involved in lung disease in patients with RA should aid the development of specific therapies.
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus encompasses a broad spectrum of skin lesions that can occur in isolation or as a manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Insights into the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of cutaneous lupus erythematosus have triggered the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Advanced X-ray-based, magnetic resonance and optical imaging technologies are capable of visualizing the complex architecture of bone and its blood supply. Clinical and experimental applications of these technologies and novel analytical methods are providing new insights into the structure and function of bone in health and disease.
Tissue engineering strategies to repair articular cartilage and menisci are advancing rapidly. This Review provides an overview of surgical and tissue engineering approaches in current use and outlines exciting developments in the field.
The relationship between inflammation, cardiovascular disease and metabolic comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis is complex. Understanding these relationships is important for the management of both diseases, as cardiometabolic comorbidities place a considerable burden on these patients.
T follicular helper cells and T follicular regulatory cells tightly control the production of (auto)antibodies by B cells. Understanding their phenotypes and how the function of these cells is dysregulated in rheumatic diseases will aid future therapeutic development.
The effects of IL-17 on the joints in inflammatory arthritis are well-documented, but less is known about its systemic effects. In this Review, Beringer and Miossec discuss the effects of IL-17 on muscle, the cardiovascular system and the liver.
