Safety and effectiveness of abatacept in systemic sclerosis: The EUSTAR experience.

Objective: To analyze the safety and effectiveness of abatacept (ABA) given in routine care to patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods: Retrospective multicenter observational study that enrolled patients with SSc treated with ABA. We collected epidemiological data and clinical outcomes.

A regulatory role for CD72 expression on B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background: B regulatory cells and their regulatory products/markers, such us semaphorin 3A (sema3A) and its receptor NP-1, FcγIIB, IL-10, and others, act at the very base of self-tolerance, maintenance, and prevention of autoimmune disease development.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the involvement of CD72, a regulatory receptor on B cells, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition, the potential of soluble sema3A in enhancing the expression of CD72 on B cells of SLE patients was investigated.

Vaccination against influenza in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of the influenza virus vaccine in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients compared to healthy controls.

Methods: Twenty-six SSc patients and 16 healthy controls were vaccinated with a trivalent influenza subunit vaccine (H1N1 A/Brisbane/59/2007(TGA 2008/81B) (H1N1), H3N2 A/Uruguay/716/2007 (A/Brisbane/10/2007-like, NIBSC8/124) (H3N2) and B B/Brisbane/60/2008 (TGA 2009/82/B) (B)). The subjects were evaluated on the day of vaccination and 6 weeks later.