Antiphospholipid syndrome articles from across Nature Portfolio

In this Perspective article, members of the European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases discuss clinical and organizational challenges in this community caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and what lessons might be learned for the future.

Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterised by increased neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis) and, consequently, increased thrombotic events. Here Ali et al. show that treatment with adenosine receptor agonists suppresses NETosis and venous thrombosis in mouse models of antiphospholipid syndrome.

Vascular and obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome are associated with the same pathogenic antiphospholipid antibodies but differ with respect to their associated clinical manifestations. The expression and distribution of β2 glycoprotein I, the main target of antiphospholipid antibodies, might explain these differences.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, such as lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies and anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibodies. This PrimeView focuses on the pathophysiology of APS, which is mainly characterized by thrombosis and obstetrical complications.

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease associated with a variety of symptoms, including thrombosis and obstetrical complications. This Primer provides an update on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapeutic aspects and offers an outlook on future research topics.

The range of clinical manifestations and autoantibodies that are recognized as important in antiphosphlipid syndrome (APS) is constantly increasing. How can disease manifestations and autoantibodies that fall outside of the classic APS criteria be incorporated into diagnosis in the future?

New research suggests therapies targeting neutrophil activation pathways could protect against arterial and venous thrombosis.

Preclinical studies demonstrate that defibrotide mitigates neutrophil-mediated thrombosis related to antiphospholipid syndrome.

Rheumatologists lack guidance on how to manage the reproductive health of their patients, and communication to patients on reproductive health issues is an unmet need. New guidelines from the ACR provide support in the counselling of both female and male patients on the different aspects of their reproductive life.