Systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension is characterized by a distinct peripheral T helper cell profile.

Objectives: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by multiple clinical manifestations. Vasculopathy is a main disease hallmark and ranges in severity from an exacerbated Raynaud phenomenon to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The potential involvement of the immune system in SSc-associated vascular abnormalities is not clear.

Growth factors that drive aggrecan synthesis in healthy articular cartilage. Role for transforming growth factor-β?

Introduction: Articular cartilage makes smooth movement possible and destruction of this tissue leads to loss of joint function. An important biomolecule that determines this function is the large aggregating proteoglycan of cartilage, aggrecan. Aggrecan has a relatively short half-life in cartilage and therefore continuous production of this molecule is essential.

CD7 activation regulates cytotoxicity-driven pathology in systemic sclerosis, yielding a target for selective cell depletion.

Objectives: Cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells are central effector cells in cancer and infections. Their effector response is regulated by activating and inhibitory receptors. The regulation of these cells in systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc) is less defined.

Nailfold capillaroscopy and candidate-biomarker levels in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Pulmonary hypertension is one of the leading causes of death in systemic sclerosis. Early detection and treatment of pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis is crucial. Nailfold capillaroscopy microscopy, vascular autoantibodies AT1R and ETAR, and several candidate-biomarkers have the potential to serve as noninvasive tools to identify systemic sclerosis patients at risk for developing pulmonary hypertension.