Investigating the Causes of Lung Damage in Autoimmune Diseases

Recent research sheds light on the mechanisms behind lung damage in autoimmune conditions such as systemic sclerosis and Sjögren's syndrome. Patients suffering from these diseases often experience significant inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs, which can lead to interstitial lung disease, severely impairing gas exchange. A collaborative effort by researchers at TWINCORE, the Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research in Hanover, together with colleagues from Hannover Medical School, focused on understanding the role of immune cells in these processes.

Systemic sclerosis is characterized by inflammation and scarring of the skin, while Sjögren's syndrome primarily affects tear and salivary glands, but both can involve lung tissue. According to recent findings published in Rheumatology, immune cells—particularly T cells—are significantly altered in these conditions. The team analyzed blood and lung lavage samples from patients and identified notable changes in T cell populations, especially signs of immune exhaustion.

T cell exhaustion refers to a weakened immune response observed in various diseases, including viral infections like COVID-19 and certain cancers. The discovery that T cells in patients with these autoimmune diseases exhibit exhaustion hints at potential therapeutic avenues targeting these immune cells. Such insights could lead to the development of treatments aimed at modulating immune activity to prevent or reduce lung tissue damage.

This study emphasizes the importance of immune cell analysis in understanding autoimmune-related lung disease pathogenesis. It opens new pathways for targeted therapies that could improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Comprehensive analysis of immune cells involved in these diseases provides crucial understanding that could inform future interventions.

For more detailed findings, refer to the publication: Christine Ehlers et al,  cells of patients with systemic sclerosis or Sjögren's disease display an aberrant metabolic state and memory phenotype in blood and lungs,
Rheumatology (2025). DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaf198.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-lung-autoimmune-diseases.html