New insights into CD4(+) T cell abnormalities in systemic sclerosis.

Schematic conspectus of SSc pathogenesis. Patients with systemic sclerosis display autoimmunity abnormality, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. Vasculopathy generally occur at the earliest stage and exist throughout the course of the disease. Autoimmunity exacerbate the progression of vasculopathy and fibrosis. Vascular dysregulation and interstitial fibrosis perpetuate autoimmunity. SSc, systemic sclerosis; ECM, extracellular matrix.