Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by fibrosis of
the skin and internal organs. Pathologic conversion of regulatory T (Treg) cells into
inflammatory cytokine–producing cells is thought to be an important step in the progression
of autoimmunity, but whether loss of normal Treg cell function contributes to SSc is unknown.
Objective We sought to determine whether Treg cells in the blood and skin of patients with
SSc acquired abnormal production of effector cytokines. Methods Peripheral blood and skin …