{"title":"Muscle strength recovery in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy with different myositis-specific autoantibodies.","authors":"Naoki Mugii, Yasuhito Hamaguchi, Fujiko Someya, Pleiades Tiharu Inaoka, Sho Horie, Natsumi Fushida, Tasuku Kitano, Ko Fujii, Jiro Nishio, Kyosuke Oishi, Takashi Matsushita","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2537472","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25785826.2025.2537472","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aims to assess muscle strength recovery in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) with three myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs). Forty-eight IIM patients (19 with anti-TIF1-γ Ab, 21 with anti-ARS Ab, and 8 with anti-SRP Ab) were included. Physical exercise began one week after starting medication. Muscle strength was measured using a hand held dynamometer. CK levels, muscle strength recovery, manual muscle test 8 (MMT8), and the Barthel index (BI) scores were evaluated before and after treatment among patients with anti-TIF1-γ, anti-ARS or anti-SRP Abs. CK levels decreased after one week of medication, and physical exercise did not worsen muscle involvement. Patients with anti-TIF1-γ and anti-ARS Abs exhibited rapid muscle strength improvement, while those with anti-SRP Ab had slower recovery. MMT8 followed a similar trend. BI scores significantly improved in patients with anti-TIF1-γ and anti-ARS Abs. All eight patients with anti-SRP Ab achieved a BI score of 100 despite no significant changes due to high variability. Muscle strength improved significantly, even in patients with a BI score ≤ 60. Muscle strength was recovered regardless of their MSA profile, and physical exercise may be safe for restoring muscle strength.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144733679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhiqiang Cui, Yan Luo, Yanli Yi, Xuli Guo, Yuqi Liu, Xiang Wang, Xiaonan Liu
{"title":"Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 vaccination: a case report and literature review.","authors":"Zhiqiang Cui, Yan Luo, Yanli Yi, Xuli Guo, Yuqi Liu, Xiang Wang, Xiaonan Liu","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2528331","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25785826.2025.2528331","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To investigate the potential association between COVID-19 vaccination and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome, offering novel insights for the diagnosis and management of vaccine-related ocular disorders. A case report combined with a literature review was conducted. A 19-year-old male developing VKH after receiving the second dose of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine was analyzed. Clinical features, treatment outcomes (glucocorticoid therapy with 2-year follow-up), and literature-based comparisons were evaluated. PubMed-indexed cases of vaccine-associated VKH were systematically reviewed, and causality was assessed using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale. The patient presented with bilateral blurred vision 14 days post-vaccination, diagnosed as VKH with retinal neuroepithelial detachment via fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Oral prednisone (starting at 60 mg/day, tapered gradually)restored visual acuity to near-normal levels (OD: 20/40, OS: 20/33), consistent with the patient's reported baseline vision. Within 8 weeks, with no recurrence during follow-up. Literature analysis revealed vaccine-associated VKH symptoms typically emerged at a median of 8 days post-vaccination, aligning with the WHO's 40-day adverse event monitoring window. A Naranjo score of 4 indicated a probable vaccine-triggered immune response. COVID-19 vaccines may induce VKH via immune dysregulation mechanisms, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals. Although causality remains unconfirmed, clinicians should maintain vigilance for acute bilateral uveitis post-vaccination. Glucocorticoid therapy demonstrates efficacy in symptom resolution and relapse prevention. Enhanced active surveillance and mechanistic studies on vaccine-related ocular adverse events are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Real-world effectiveness of belimumab and anifrolumab in systemic lupus erythematosus: comparable trends in disease activity and glucocorticoid reduction.","authors":"Ryota Sato, Masaru Shimizu, Yuya Kondo, Kazushi Maruo, Yuki Kuroda, Hiroshi Ebe, Mizuki Yagishita, Naoto Umeda, Seiji Mogi, Ayako Ohyama, Ayako Kitada, Saori Abe, Hiromitsu Asashima, Haruka Miki, Hiroto Tsuboi, Isao Matsumoto","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2528296","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25785826.2025.2528296","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite the proven efficacy of belimumab and anifrolumab for SLE, their relative effectiveness remains uncertain owing to conflicting indirect comparison studies. We conducted a comparative effectiveness study using multicenter health records to evaluate the adjusted 12-month changes in the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), glucocorticoid dose, anti-DNA antibody titers, and CH50 levels, along with the adjusted hazard ratios of discontinuation and adverse events. A total of 58 bionaïve lupus patients (belimumab: 36, anifrolumab: 22) who initiated belimumab or anifrolumab on or after January 1, 2022 were identified and followed for up to 2 years. Adjusted changes in the SLEDAI-2K, glucocorticoid dose, and anti-DNA antibody titers were similar, with between-group differences (belimumab - anifrolumab) of -0.4 SLEDAI-2K units (95% CI: -4.8, 4.0), 1.4 mg/day (95% CI: -5.1, 7.9), and -2.7 IU/mL (95% CI: -27, 21), respectively. Belimumab was associated with a greater increase in adjusted CH50 levels (between-group difference: 5.3 CH50/mL, 95% CI: -8.9, 20) and a lower adjusted hazard ratio of discontinuation (0.68, 95% CI: 0.12, 3.7). Infection was the most common adverse event (belimumab: 31%, anifrolumab: 41%). Our findings suggest both treatments provide similar effectiveness, with belimumab offering potential benefits in CH50 levels, treatment continuity, and infection risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144585162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Current experience with manual push subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) in patients with immune deficiencies.","authors":"Alex Richter","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2515333","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25785826.2025.2515333","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Immunoglobulin G replacement therapy prevents infections in patients with antibody deficiencies. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) has typically been administered <i>via</i> infusion pump, but the manual push technique offers a simple, convenient alternative method. The manual push technique is efficacious, well tolerated, quick to administer, offers increased dosing flexibility, and does not rely on a pump. Having various administration options available to patients provides greater treatment satisfaction and feelings of self-empowerment, which may improve compliance. Currently available literature published before 10 February 2022, that reported patient and healthcare professional experience with SCIg administered <i>via</i> manual push, were reviewed. Literature searches were performed using PubMed, Google and ClinicalTrials.gov using key words 'manual push', 'rapid push', 'immunoglobulin', 'subcutaneous immunoglobulin', 'SCIg', and 'primary immunodeficiency'. Real-world evidence demonstrates all delivery techniques provide similar efficacy, so treatment administration becomes about patient preference, hospital resources, cost-effectiveness/recovery and clinician attitude. To establish newer administration modalities such as manual push or prefilled syringes, there needs to be patient awareness of these options, then education and finally confidence in recommending these options. Adoption of newer administration modalities will help ensure patients receive the widest range of choice, thus improving compliance and their risk of recurrent and severe infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144477146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A case of early diagnosis of congenital multisystem langerhans cell histiocytosis with thymic involvement triggered by newborn screening.","authors":"Yoji Uejima, Masayuki Iijima, Koichi Oshima, Ken Kawabata, Akihisa Nitta, Taiki Sato, Yoko Sato, Zenshiro Tamaki, Takahiro Hosokawa, Masaki Shimizu, Katsuyoshi Koh, Atsuko Nakazawa","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2519725","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25785826.2025.2519725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC)-based newborn screening is a method for the early detection of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID); however, undetectable TREC level results have also been reported in conditions other than SCID. To date, no studies have investigated the dynamics of TREC levels in patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). Here, we report a case of congenital multisystem LCH with thymic involvement diagnosed following a negative TREC result obtained through newborn screening. Partial remission was achieved with chemotherapy, and TREC levels subsequently recovered. LCH involving the thymus should be considered among the differential diagnoses for negative TREC results.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1-4"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144286704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shion Kachi, Mirei Shirakashi, Takashi Nomizo, Mei Onishi, Eri Toda Kato, Tomomi W Nobashi, Hideo Onizawa, Ryosuke Hiwa, Hideaki Tsuji, Shuji Akizuki, Ran Nakashima, Akira Onishi, Hajime Yoshifuji, Masao Tanaka, Kosaku Murakami, Akio Morinobu
{"title":"Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis and multiple adverse events with pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis: a case report and literature review.","authors":"Shion Kachi, Mirei Shirakashi, Takashi Nomizo, Mei Onishi, Eri Toda Kato, Tomomi W Nobashi, Hideo Onizawa, Ryosuke Hiwa, Hideaki Tsuji, Shuji Akizuki, Ran Nakashima, Akira Onishi, Hajime Yoshifuji, Masao Tanaka, Kosaku Murakami, Akio Morinobu","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2515688","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25785826.2025.2515688","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can trigger immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) reactivation in cancer patients with pre-existing RA. Studies indicate RA reactivation occurs in approximately 50% of these patients, while new irAEs develop in 25-50% of ICI-treated patients. Furthermore, ICI-induced myocarditis has been reported to have a high mortality rate, ranging from 25% to 50%. No prior reports have detailed the clinical course of ICI-induced myocarditis in patients with RA. We describe a 77-year-old man with RA who developed myocarditis, myositis, and RA flare following treatment with the PD-LI inhibitor, atezolizumab, for small-cell lung cancer. High-dose glucocorticoid (GC) therapy and intravenous immunoglobulin improved myocarditis and myositis. Corticosteroid tapering led to organizing pneumonia, necessitating a dosage adjustment. Once resolved, tapering resumed. During irAEs treatment, the patient maintained a partial response without cancer recurrence for ten months, and required no further cancer-specific therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed report of ICI-induced myocarditis in a patient with pre-existing RA. Our findings emphasize the importance of vigilant monitoring of both irAEs and RA disease activity for optimal patient management.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Alternation of anti-NMDA receptor subunit GluN2 antibody in a patient with SLE who promptly developed anxiety after belimumab.","authors":"Yoshiyuki Arinuma, Yasuhiro Hasegawa, Kenji Oku, Kunihiro Yamaoka","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2515331","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/25785826.2025.2515331","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We report a 29-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who promptly developed anxiety after belimumab. She was diagnosed as SLE due to fever, general fatigue, polyarthritis, hypocomplementemia, and positivity of antinuclear antibody and anti-dsDNA antibody, and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) monotherapy was initiated. Fourteen months following HCQ introduction, arthritis recurred, prednisolone (PSL) 5 mg/day and methotrexate were added. However, since her arthritis recurred during PSL tapering, we added BEL. Three months later, she developed morbid anxiety evaluated by a psychiatrist with protein elevation, interleukin (IL)-6 15.4 pg/mL, anti-neuronal cell antibody (anti-N) 0.66 U/mL (normal <0.27) and autoantibody against anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit GluN2A/B (anti-GluN2) 0.12 U/mL (normal <0.10) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Therefore, we discontinued BEL in consideration of both adverse event in association with BEL as well as neuropsychiatric SLE development. Two months later, her anxiety almost completely disappeared with decreased IL-6 7.0 pg/mL, anti-N 0.36 U/mL and anti-GluN2 0.02 U/mL. As far, no psychiatric manifestation has been developed. Our case indicate that BEL may involve paradoxical elevation of autoantibodies against neurons in the central nervous system, causing neuronal inflammation. Exhaustive investigation of CSF biomarkers could be an important strategy to investigate the pathophysiology of psychiatric manifestations due to BEL.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144209809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Anti-cytokine autoantibodies in human susceptibility to infectious diseases: insights from Inborn errors of immunity.","authors":"Kosuke Noma, Takaki Asano, Maki Taniguchi, Kosuke Ashihara, Satoshi Okada","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2488553","DOIUrl":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2488553","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study of Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEIs) is critical for understanding the complex mechanisms of the human immune response to infectious diseases. Specific IEIs, characterized by selective susceptibility to certain pathogens, have enhanced our understanding of the key molecular pathways and cellular subsets involved in host defense against pathogens. These insights revealed that patients with anti-cytokine autoantibodies exhibit phenotypes similar to those with pathogenic mutations in genes encoding signaling molecules. This new disease concept is currently categorized as 'Phenocopies of IEI'. This category includes anti-cytokine autoantibodies targeting IL-17/IL-22, IFN-γ, IL-6, GM-CSF, and type I IFNs. Abundant anti-cytokine autoantibodies deplete corresponding cytokines, impair signaling pathways, and increase susceptibility to specific pathogens. We herein demonstrate the clinical and etiological significance of anti-cytokine autoantibodies in human immunity to pathogens. Insights from studies of rare IEIs underscore the pathological importance of cytokine-targeting autoantibodies. Simultaneously, the diverse clinical phenotype of patients with these autoantibodies suggests that the influences of cytokine dysfunction are broader than previously recognized. Furthermore, comprehensive studies prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the substantial clinical impact of autoantibodies and their potential role in shaping the outcomes of infectious disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"124-140"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143804411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Immunological MedicinePub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-02-14DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2025.2467488
Masataka Kuwana
{"title":"Recent advances in clinical and pathological significance of autoantibodies.","authors":"Masataka Kuwana","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2467488","DOIUrl":"10.1080/25785826.2025.2467488","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"102-103"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143415608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Immunological MedicinePub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2024-06-20DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2024.2370079
Yoko Sunami, Keizo Sugaya, Kazushi Takahashi
{"title":"G protein-coupled receptors related to autoimmunity in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.","authors":"Yoko Sunami, Keizo Sugaya, Kazushi Takahashi","doi":"10.1080/25785826.2024.2370079","DOIUrl":"10.1080/25785826.2024.2370079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is characterized by exaggerated orthostatic tachycardia in the absence of orthostatic hypotension. The pathophysiology of POTS may involve hypovolemia, autonomic neuropathy, a hyperadrenergic state, and cardiovascular deconditioning, any of which can co-occur in the same patient. Furthermore, there is growing evidence of the role of autoimmunity in a subset of POTS cases. In recent years, investigators have described an increased rate of autoimmune comorbidities as evidenced by the finding of several types of neural receptor autoantibody and non-specific autoimmune marker in patients with POTS. In particular, the association of the disease with several types of anti-G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) antibodies and POTS has frequently been noted. A previous study reported that autoantibodies to muscarinic AChRs may play an important role in POTS with persistent, gastrointestinal symptoms. To date, POTS is recognized as one of the sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its frequency and pathogenesis are still largely unknown. Multiple autoantibody types occur in COVID-related, autonomic disorders, suggesting the presence of autoimmune pathology in these disorders. Herein, we review the association of anti-GPCR autoantibodies with disorders of the autonomic nervous system, in particular POTS, and provide a new perspective for understanding POTS-related autoimmunity.</p>","PeriodicalId":37286,"journal":{"name":"Immunological Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"141-148"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141427904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}