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The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled the global community to work together to understand SARS-CoV-2 and mitigate its effects, but it has also highlighted health disparities faced by people from minority racial or ethnic groups and other marginalized populations. International collaboration needs to be leveraged to address these disparities and inequities.
Genetic variation contributes to immune cell function. An unprecedented analysis of genetic associations with immune cell traits provides insights into the complex regulation of immune cells, reveals variants that coincidently influence immune traits and autoimmune disease risk, and offers specific therapeutic targets for these diseases.
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have become standard treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who do not respond well to other DMARDs. Concerns have been raised over an increased risk of venous thromboembolism with JAK inhibitors, tempering enthusiasm for their use in the clinic, but are these concerns justified?
For the past two decades, remission has been the focus of treatment strategies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This Review addresses the differences between remission and cure in RA and the underlying factors (‘drivers’) that trigger chronic inflammation and prevent cure.
In this Review, the authors discuss macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in relation to other cytokine storm scenarios, and provide a framework for understanding MAS within the spectrum of innate and adaptive immunity in the context of gain or loss of immune function.
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a common condition associated with low back pain, but approved pharmacological interventions to prevent progression of IVD degeneration are lacking. This Review discusses the clinical progress and challenges of cell-based therapeutics for repairing the IVD.
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.