Arthritis & Rheumatology
Audio Summaries

T cell plasticity in systemic lupus erythematosus revealed by large-scale T cell receptor repertoire and transcriptome studies

May 8, 2026

The authors aimed to characterize the plasticity of CD4⁺ T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by analyzing T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and transcriptomic data from a large cohort of SLE patients. They discovered a significant association between effector regulatory T cells and Th1 cells, revealing a Treg-associated Th1 state that correlates with disease activity in SLE. This study highlights the complex interplay between T cell subtypes in the context of autoimmune disease.

B-cell Maturation Antigen Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy for Refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Systemic Sclerosis

May 7, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of HBI0101, a B-cell maturation antigen-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, in patients with severe refractory systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. In a phase 1 trial involving six patients, the therapy demonstrated an acceptable safety profile, with manageable side effects, and showed early clinical activity, including significant improvements in disease symptoms. These findings support the need for further prospective studies to assess HBI0101's therapeutic potential.

Gender equity in rheumatology research: global analysis of authors

May 7, 2026

The authors aimed to assess gender representation among authors in rheumatology research over the past decade. Their analysis revealed that while first authorship showed near parity in top-tier journals, a significant gender gap persisted in last authorship roles and in lower-ranked journals, particularly from Asian and European institutions. Overall, the study highlights both progress and ongoing disparities in gender equity within the field of rheumatology research.

Therapeutic targeting protein kinase CK2 ameliorates lupus nephritis by modulating neutrophil infiltration and neutrophil extracellular trap formation

May 6, 2026

The authors investigate the therapeutic potential of the protein kinase CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by examining its effects on neutrophil dysregulation and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Their findings demonstrate that CX-4945 significantly improves renal function and reduces inflammation in murine models of lupus, suggesting that CK2α is a promising therapeutic target for SLE and related autoimmune conditions.

Increased Risk of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy in SLE Women Exposed to Azathioprine

May 4, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the risk of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who were exposed to azathioprine (AZA) compared to those who were not. Their findings indicate that AZA exposure is significantly associated with an increased risk of ICP, with a 12-fold higher hazard ratio, particularly in pregnancies exhibiting thiopurine metabolite shunting during the second trimester. This suggests that monitoring metabolite levels may help identify SLE patients at higher risk for developing ICP during pregnancy.

Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium 2026 Abstract Supplement

May 1, 2026

The Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium 2026 Abstract Supplement presents a collection of abstracts focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of pediatric rheumatic diseases. The authors aim to address key questions in the field, including the efficacy of new therapies, the impact of early diagnosis, and the long-term outcomes of pediatric patients with rheumatic conditions. For detailed insights, readers are encouraged to access the searchable database of abstracts at www.acrabstracts.org.

Kidney Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells Contribute to Myeloid Development and Pathology in Lupus Nephritis

Apr 28, 2026

The authors investigate the role of extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) and kidney-resident hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN). They find that kidney-derived progenitor cells are enriched in LN models and correlate with disease severity, contributing to local myeloid cell expansion and kidney damage. The study suggests that targeting these kidney progenitors may provide new therapeutic strategies for managing inflammation in LN.

Higher complement C4 gene copy number constitutes a shared genetic risk factor for giant cell arteritis and IgA vasculitis

Apr 27, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate whether variations in the copy number of the complement C4 gene contribute to the risk of developing giant cell arteritis (GCA) and IgA vasculitis (IgAV). They found that higher copy numbers of C4, particularly C4B in males for GCA and C4A in the overall cohort for IgAV, are associated with increased disease susceptibility, indicating a shared genetic risk factor linked to complement dysregulation and inflammation. This study highlights the importance of sex-dependent genetic factors in these complex vasculitides.

Determinants of Difficult-to-Manage and Treatment-Refractory Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Analysis within a Longitudinal Cohort

Apr 27, 2026

The authors aimed to estimate the prevalence of difficult-to-manage (D2M) and treatment-refractory (TR) axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and identify associated factors within a longitudinal cohort. They found that 9.1% of patients met the D2M criteria, with higher disease activity and comorbidities linked to this status, while 2.2% were classified as TR, characterized by greater disease burden and specific demographic features. These results underscore the importance of recognizing D2M in clinical practice to inform tailored management strategies.

Differences in SARS-CoV-2 antigen persistence in individuals with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases compared to the general population: A RECOVER-Adult Cohort Study

Apr 27, 2026

This study investigates whether individuals with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) exhibit longer persistence of SARS-CoV-2 antigens compared to the general population following COVID-19 infection. The findings reveal that individuals with SARDs have significantly higher rates of antigen positivity at both 3 and 6 months post-infection, suggesting a prolonged viral presence that is not attributable to demographic factors, vaccination status, or treatment.