Immunology & Rheumatology

Systemic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders encompass a large and heterogeneous group of diseases, falling under the domain of rheumatology and immunology.

A combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders, primarily inducing a loss of immune self-tolerance. Alternatively, dysfunction within the inflammatory cascade may promote and perpetuate a systemic inflammatory disorder.

This section aims to integrate both immunological and rheumatological perspectives, highlighting the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases rooted in immune system dysfunction. These include a spectrum of autoimmune diseases, systemic inflammatory disorders, vasculitides, and connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Both innate and adaptive immunity are central to understanding these conditions. Innate immunity provides a rapid but nonspecific defense, while adaptive immunity offers targeted responses and immunological memory. Dysregulation in either arm can lead to a wide range of diseases that are clinically managed by immunologists and rheumatologists alike.

We welcome original research, reviews, and clinical studies exploring the immune mechanisms of rheumatologic diseases; emerging clinical aspects of systemic autoimmune disorders; novel therapies, including biologics and targeted synthetic antirheumatic drugs; rheumatic complications arising from immune checkpoint inhibitors; and topics such as immune-related adverse events, immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory therapies, transplantation immunology, and emerging biomarkers.

By bridging immunology and rheumatology, this section encourages interdisciplinary insights and aims to support innovation in diagnostics and patient care.

Subject Areas

• Rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathies;
• Gout and crystal-induced arthritis;
• Systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and connective tissue diseases;
• Systemic vasculitis;
• Autoinflammatory diseases;
• Organ-specific and systemic autoimmune diseases;
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (mechanisms and adverse effects);
• Immunosuppressive and immunomodulating therapies;
• Inherited and acquired immune deficiencies;
• Hypersensitivity and allergic responses;
• Transplantation immunology and graft rejection;
• Biomarkers and targeted therapies in immune-mediated diseases;
• Mechanisms of immune regulation and tolerance;
• Drug-induced autoimmunity and adverse reactions;
• Tumor immunology and antitumor immune responses;
• Others.