Recent advances on pathogenesis and therapies in systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by extensive fibrotic changes in various organs, including skin and lung. Although the etiology of SSc remains unknown, three major abnormalities, abnormal humoral immunity, microvasculature, and fibroblast dysfunctions are considered to play important roles. Significant progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis on SSc, and has been also providing clues to the treatment for this disease. This review summarizes recent advances on the pathogenesis and new therapeutic strategy for SSc.