Editor’s Pick 2025

6 April 2025
6 April 2025

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Open Access

Unveiling the nexus: Decoding interactions between regulated cell death and systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis for innovative therapeutic avenues

Unveiling the nexus: Decoding interactions between regulated cell death and systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis for innovative therapeutic avenues

Multidimensional RCD interactions and therapeutic interventions in SLE: The graphical abstract illustrates the convergence of various regulated cell death (RCD) pathways—apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, NETosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis—in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It highlights key molecular targets within these pathways and their linkage to inflammatory and autoimmune responses.

Open Access

Mitochondrial aberrations in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis: Insights and therapeutic implications

Mitochondrial aberrations in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis: Insights and therapeutic implications

Mitochondrial abnormalities are crucial in the progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with key elements like mitochondrial DNA mutations, oxidative stress, and immune metabolic reprogramming leading to cellular death. These dysfunctions result in an array of SLE symptoms, pointing toward mitochondrial pathways as potential therapeutic targets for improved patient outcomes.

Open Access

CircEPSTI1 in peripheral blood as a novel potential biomarker for childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

CircEPSTI1 in peripheral blood as a novel potential biomarker for childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

The expression levels of circEPSTI1 were significantly higher in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients compared with the healthy controls (HCs), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients. CircEPSTI1 may represent a prospective biomarker of childhood-onset SLE.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Open Access

Pathologically expanded peripheral CD4+PD-1+Foxp3 T-cell subset promotes B-cell hyperactivity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Pathologically expanded peripheral CD4+PD-1+Foxp3− T-cell subset promotes B-cell hyperactivity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Pathologically expanded CD4+PD-1+Foxp3 T cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis promoted the B-cell response in vitro.

Open Access

SLAMF8 as a potential biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis identified by comparing peripheral blood mononuclear cells, fibroblast-like synoviocytes, and synovial tissue using bioinformatics analysis

SLAMF8 as a potential biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis identified by comparing peripheral blood mononuclear cells, fibroblast-like synoviocytes, and synovial tissue using bioinformatics analysis

Microarray datasets of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, and healthy control were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Venn diagram, principal component analysis, heat map, volcano map, gene set enrichment analysis, gene ontology, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes were used to analyze the data. Synovial tissue was identified as the key research objects. Further by protein–protein interaction network analysis of the four synovial tissue datasets and validation with immunohistochemistry of patients with RA and collagen-induced arthritis mice models, we identified that SLAMF8 may be a key biomarker for RA.

Autoimmunity

Open Access

Toll-like receptor expression during inflammatory processes in human diseases

Toll-like receptor expression during inflammatory processes in human diseases

Chronic inflammation in different illnesses triggered by pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage associated molecular patterns recognized by Toll-like receptors (TLRs).

Open Access

Regulatory role of DBC1 in inflammation and autoimmune diseases

Regulatory role of DBC1 in inflammation and autoimmune diseases

Deleted in breast cancer 1 (DBC1) plays a dual role in inflammation and autoimmune diseases indirectly through regulatory factors such as silent information regulation 2 homolog-1 (SIRT1), histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), SUV39H1, β-catenin, androgen receptor (AR), and estrogen receptor (ER).

Open Access

Inflammasomes and their roles in autoimmune diseases

Inflammasomes and their roles in autoimmune diseases

This review offers an introduction to the immunological functions of inflammasomes and elucidates their pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome, psoriasis, Sjögren's syndrome, and ankylosing spondylitis. Additionally, this review highlights the importance of developing drugs targeting inflammasomes as promising therapeutic avenues.

Open Access

Expanding the scope of mast cell disease: Does mast cell-derived TNF play a role in immune-mediated chronic illness and autoimmunity?

Expanding the scope of mast cell disease: Does mast cell-derived TNF play a role in immune-mediated chronic illness and autoimmunity?

Mast cells (MCs) and MC-derived tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are important in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and post-viral syndromes, having important mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential. MC and MC-derived TNF activation are involved in conditions like COVID-19, and neuroinflammation, linking TNF to various pathological processes such as apoptosis, thrombosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Potential therapeutic benefits of treatments, like high-dose melatonin and low-dose naltrexone (LDN) for modulating MC activation and reducing TNF-induced inflammation, seem to be promising therapies. They could help prevent or treat immune-mediated illnesses. Future research is encouraged to explore holistic approaches for better treatment of chronic/auto-immune diseases and also consider social determinants of health.

Open Access

Origins and history of autoimmunity—A brief review

Origins and history of autoimmunity—A brief review

The origin and history of autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases.