Exploring the role of gelsolin and high-density lipoproteins in autoimmune diseases: spotlight on rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

Rheumatological systemic autoimmune diseases constitute a significant health problem globally due to their chronicity, potentially permanent incapacity and higher mortality rates. Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus are among the most common of these diseases. Although there is a substantial body of research on these autoimmune diseases, there is still a need to identify better biomarkers of disease activity and progression. In this context, gelsolin and high-density lipoproteins arise as novel biomarkers from the perspective of immunomodulation and their role in the immunopathology of autoimmune diseases. Gelsolin is an actin cytoskeleton remodeling protein involved in immune regulatory mechanisms related to inflammation. High-density lipoproteins are plasmatic cargo molecules involved in reverse lipid transport, whereas their study in autoimmunity has focused on their value as cardiovascular risk predictors. However, new functions of these proteins related to immune and inflammation regulation have also been described recently. Therefore, this review aims to provide insight into the role of these biomolecules and their implications in the immunopathology and immunomodulation of autoimmune diseases from the perspective of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.