Rheumatic diseases: From bench to bedside

This chapter discusses the key points in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) and their implications in clinical practice. It summarizes the complex interactions between various external stimuli or triggers with genetic factors, leading to immune system dysregulation and autoimmunity. Mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity dysregulations in AIRDs are further elaborated in this chapter. Rapid discovery of the underlying pathogenesis of AIRDs such as identifications of the risk factors, genetic, and immune pathways has certainly changed the paradigm of management. The overall outcome of patients affected with the disease has improved over time due to the advancement in the treatment. This chapter attempts to bridge the vast knowledge in the immunopathogenesis of AIRDs with clinical practice, particularly therapeutic aspects of the disease.