Trained immunity and inflammation in rheumatic diseases

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Rheumatic diseases encompass autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system and other organs.
• Both innate and adaptive immunity play roles in the pathogenesis of these complex disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current data on trained immunity in rheumatic diseases.
• To explore the role of innate immune memory in conditions such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on trained immunity and rheumatic diseases.
• Analysis of evidence linking inflammatory mediators, cytokine production, immunometabolism, and epigenetic regulation.

Main Results:

• Innate immune cells can exhibit 'trained immunity,' a functional memory developed through epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming.
• Features of trained immunity are observed in various rheumatic diseases, suggesting mechanistic involvement.
• Evidence links trained immunity to inflammatory mediators, cytokine profiles, and epigenetic changes in these conditions.

Conclusions:

• Trained immunity presents a paradigm shift in understanding immune memory within innate immunity.
• This phenomenon may play a significant mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases.
• Further research into trained immunity could reveal novel therapeutic targets for altering disease progression and symptoms.