Current frontiers in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterised by vascular dysfunction, impaired angiogenesis, inflammation and fibrosis. There is no currently accepted disease-modifying treatment with only autologous stem cell transplant showing clinically meaningful benefit. The lack of treatment options reflects our lack of understanding of the precise molecular mechanisms occurring in the disease. Recent investigations have begun to decipher the molecular pathways underpinning the different aspects of the disease and may provide a rational clinical target(s). Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of the disease is important in understanding systemic sclerosis treatment. The aim of this review was to examine the current thinking in SSc pathogenesis and will offer novel areas for research which may yield novel therapeutics.