Therapeutic targeting of T cells in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder with an unknown cause. The cardinal features of the disease are autoimmunity, vasculopathy, inflammation and fibrosis. There appears to be a link between inflammation and inflammatory cells and the uncontrolled deposition of the extracellular matrix. In particular, T cells appear to play a prominent role in disease initiation and propagation through the secretion of a myriad of cytokines and growth factors. These T-cell-dependent products may drive the proliferation and activation of resident fibroblasts, which ultimately leads to fibrosis. This review summarizes the current literature of the role of T cells in systemic sclerosis and suggests that therapeutic targeting of T cells is a promising new avenue.