| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands;2. Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands |
| Abstract: | Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex, heterogeneous autoimmune connective tissue disease. Autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (AHSCT) has emerged as a valuable treatment option for rapidly progressive diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients, and thus far is the only treatment that has been shown to have a long-term clinical benefit. AHSCT is thought to reintroduce immune homeostasis through elimination of pathogenic self-reactive immune cells and reconstitution of a new, tolerant immune system. However, the mechanism of action underlying this reset to tolerance remains largely unknown. In this study we review the immune mechanisms underlying AHSCT for SSc, with a focus on the role of the innate immune cells, including monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, in restoring immune balance after AHSCT. |
