Autoimmunity in 2017

The number of peer-reviewed articles published during the 2017 solar year and retrieved using the autoimmunity key word increased significantly compared to 2016 while maintaining a stable share within the immunology field, following years with alternated fortunes. A detailed arbitrary analysis of the published articles in leading immunology and autoimmunity journals provides a privileged viewpoint on the current trends of research from both basic and clinical studies. Indeed, we are observing that major steps forward are found for rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis, among others. In particular, the new data on pregnancy success in lupus or biomarkers in systemic sclerosis are believed to change our management of these systemic conditions. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, we have obtained data with significant implications in the understanding of the disease pathogenesis (as in the case of platelets), disease phenotyping, and new treatment options. Furthermore, the exponential growth of treatment options for cancer based on immune checkpoint modulation is paralleled by the need to address the potential autoimmunity side effects while taking advantage of new information obtained in paraneoplastic autoimmune conditions. Cumulatively, 2017 has been a very exciting year for autoimmune diseases, and we foresee that most of the data discussed herein will be followed by more extensive studies in the upcoming months.