The pathogenesis, clinical presentations and treatment of monogenic systemic vasculitis


Gül A., Aksentijevich I., Brogan P., Gattorno M., Grayson P. C., ÖZEN S.

NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1038/s41584-025-01250-9
  • Journal Name: NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, MEDLINE
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Many monogenic autoinflammatory diseases, including DADA2 (deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2), HA20 (haploinsufficiency of A20), SAVI (STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy), COPA syndrome, LAVLI (LYN kinase-associated vasculopathy and liver fibrosis) and VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome, present predominantly with vasculitis and constitute a substantial subgroup of vasculitic conditions associated with a 'probable aetiology'. The spectrum of monogenic vasculitis encompasses all sizes and types of blood vessel, ranging from large vessels to medium-size and small vessels, and from the arterial side to the venous side of the vasculature. Monogenic vasculitis typically starts early in life during infancy or childhood; VEXAS syndrome, which presents in late adulthood, is an exception. The activation of myeloid cells via inflammasome and nuclear factor-kappa B pathways, type I interferon-enhanced autoimmune mechanisms and/or dysregulated adaptive immune responses have an important role in the development of immune-mediated endothelial dysfunction and vascular damage. Genetic testing is essential for the diagnosis of underlying monogenic autoinflammatory diseases; however, the penetrance of genetic variants can vary. Increased awareness and recognition of distinctive clinical findings could facilitate earlier diagnosis and allow for more-targeted treatments.