The roles of S100A8/A9 and S100A12 in autoimmune diseases: Mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic potential

The S100 protein family, the largest group of calcium-binding proteins, functions as key molecular regulators both intracellularly and extracellularly. Among these, S100A8/A9 and S100A12 have gained particular attention for their roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases (AID). These proteins interact with pivotal receptors, including G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), and receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), driving innate immune activation, amplifying inflammatory responses, and modulating immune cell function. Dysregulation of S100A8/A9 and S100A12 is closely associated with disease progression across multiple autoimmune conditions. Their elevated expression correlates with disease severity, making them valuable biomarkers for monitoring disease activity, predicting therapeutic responses, and assessing disease progression. This review provides an in-depth synthesis of current evidence on the mechanistic roles of S100A8/A9 and S100A12 in AID, emphasizing their biomarker potential and therapeutic value. We further discuss emerging therapeutic strategies that target S100 proteins, their receptors, downstream signaling pathways using small-molecule inhibitors, RNA-based approaches, and monoclonal antibodies. These insights highlight the dual promise of S100A8/A9 and S100A12 as both disease indicators and intervention points, offering novel avenues for the management of AID.