Autoimmunity

The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a significant decrease in autoimmunity laboratory testing, first rheumatology visits and diagnoses from 2019 to 2020, according to Italian data published in The Journal of Rheumatology.

Spotting and managing early Lyme disease can be easy: Just look for the bullseye. But when the rash goes away and the infection remains untreated for a prolonged period, Lyme arthritis can develop. That is when the real challenges begin.

Thyroid autoimmunity is associated with persistent symptoms for adults with Hashimoto’s disease and normal thyroid hormone levels, according to a systematic review published in the Journal of Translational Autoimmunity.

Emerging data are beginning to show that COVID-19 can induce autoimmunity in patients without preexisting immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, with consequences that are yet unknown, according to a speaker at the 2021 Interdisciplinary Autoimmune Summit.

Targeting immune checkpoints remains a key strategy in the development of treatments aimed at autoimmune disease and cancer, as well as for improving transplant outcomes, according to a review published in the Journal of Autoimmunity.

Learn about the discovery of immunodeficiencies leading to the use of pooled immunoglobulin as therapy, the struggle to use it intravenously and the eventual use in autoimmune disease.

Hyperglycemia is associated with the presence of multiple cardiac antibody types among people with type 1 diabetes, suggesting a novel mechanism for increased cardiovascular risk specific to the disease, according to a speaker.

Analyses from the ongoing TEDDY study suggest that islet autoimmunity develops by age 2 years for many children who go on to develop type 1 diabetes, and certain illnesses, gut microbiota and even diet may affect disease progression.

Following a successful first outing in October 2018, organizers of the Precision Medicine in Autoimmunity conference are holding a second meeting on March 11 to 13, in Denver.