Unraveling the immunometabolism puzzle: Deciphering systemic sclerosis pathogenesis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Metabolic pathways
• Connective tissue disorders

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis, vasculopathy, and immune dysregulation.
• Immunometabolism is increasingly recognized for its role in autoimmune disease pathogenesis, including SSc.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of immunometabolism dysfunctions in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc).
• To explore the interplay between immune dysfunction and metabolic alterations in SSc.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on immunometabolism in SSc.
• Analysis of metabolic pathways including glucose, lipid, amino acid, TCA cycle, and oxidative stress.

Main Results:

• Altered glucose and TCA cycle metabolism contribute to fibrosis in SSc.
• Dysregulated lipid metabolism and fatty acid oxidation promote extracellular matrix breakdown and fibrosis.
• Amino acid metabolism alterations and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production play significant roles in SSc pathogenesis and tissue damage.

Conclusions:

• Immunometabolism dysfunctions are central to SSc pathogenesis.
• Targeting metabolic pathways presents potential therapeutic strategies for SSc.