Systemic autoimmune diseases (SAIDs) are a group of conditions characterized by a breakdown of the immune system, and this misdirected immune response can lead to a wide range of organ involvement and symptoms. While the exact causes of autoimmune diseases are not fully understood, it is generally believed that a combination of genetic, environmental factors and epigenetics plays a role. Genetic factors can make individuals more susceptible to developing autoimmune diseases, while environmental triggers, such as infections, stress, or certain medications, may initiate the disease process. Epigenetics further contributes to liaise between genetics and environment in disturbing the immune response. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of SAIDs still represents a big challenge and definitely it could improve the whole management process of these conditions, that have a significant impact on quality of life. Indeed,it would be very useful to explore whether there are specific disease profiles, which likely correspond to different pathogenetic mechanisms, such as understanding whether the study of different profiles can enable to identify specific biomarkers that can not only facilitate an early diagnosis, but also predict response to therapy.

Thus, the collection aims to achieve this by:

• Clinical phenotypic characterization: Detailed analysis of the clinical features and disease progression of SAIDs to identify patterns and biomarkers that can predict disease course and response to treatment.

• Immunological phenotypic characterization: In-depth study of the immune system's response in SAIDs, including the identification of specific immune cell populations and their dysfunctions, as well as the role of cytokines and other immune mediators.

• Pathogenesis understanding: Investigation of the mechanisms that lead to the development and progression of SAIDs, including genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and immunological factors.

• Therapy response understanding: Exploration of how patients with SAIDs respond to different therapies, with the goal of identifying predictive biomarkers and developing personalized treatment strategies.

By combining these approaches, this research collection aims to advance our understanding of SAIDs and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Types of articles: systematic literature reviews, narrative reviews, original articles, editorials.

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Frontiers in Immunology

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