TLR8-specific stimulation induces pro-inflammatory cytokine production in peripheral monocytes from patients with systemic sclerosis

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disease. SSc affects the connective tissue and causes hardening and tightening of the skin. Based on clinical and serologic factors, it can be classified into two forms: limited cutaneous (lc SSc) or diffuse cutaneous (dc SSc) systemic [for full text, please go to the a.m. URL]