Advances in Systemic Sclerosis: From Pathogenetic Pathways toward Novel Therapeutic Targets: 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

The editors are grateful to the many researchers who contributed to the success of the first volume of this issue (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/life/special_issues/scleroderma). We are very pleased to announce the second volume of our Special Issue “Advances in Systemic Sclerosis: From Pathogenetic Pathways toward Novel Therapeutic Targets".

Systemic sclerosis (SSc, or scleroderma) is a complex multifaceted connective tissue disease identified by early microvascular involvement, perivascular tissue inflammation and autoimmune reactions, evolving into progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Microangiopathy clinically presents as Raynaud’s phenomenon, abnormal nailfold capillaries, digital ulcers, pulmonary arterial hypertension and scleroderma renal crisis, together with myofibroblast-orchestrated untreatable fibrosis, often leading to organ failure, accounting for the high rate of morbidity and mortality.

In recent years, there have been substantial advances in our understanding of SSc pathophysiology, especially in deciphering the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying endothelial cell damage, uncontrolled fibroblast activation and dysfunctional immune response, as well as in the early diagnosis and clinical management of patients. Expanding our knowledge on the cellular and molecular signatures underlying the development and progression of SSc is crucial to gain insights into their potential clinical relevance as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets and, hence, to make important strides towards precision medicine for this currently incurable disease.

Outstanding experts interested in this Special Issue are invited to submit original manuscripts and reviews dealing with any of the abovementioned aspects of SSc.

Dr. Eloisa Romano
Dr. Irene Rosa
Prof. Dr. Mirko Manetti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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