How Megakaryocytes Shape Aging of the Immune System
ACR Journals On Air
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sandra Pinho, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Chicago, to explore the fascinating intersection of stem cell biology, aging, and the bone marrow niche. From her early days studying biology in Portugal to groundbreaking research in London and New York, Dr. Pinho shares her scientific journey and the mentors who shaped her career. In a conversation that begins with Halloween monsters and ends with cutting-edge aging research, we uncover how megakaryocytes—cells best known for...
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When Cancer Therapy Triggers Autoimmunity
ACR Journals On Air
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Sharon about the complex intersection of oncology and autoimmunity through the lens of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)—therapies that have transformed cancer care but can also unleash immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Dr. Elad explains how ICIs work, why they can trigger autoimmune-like toxicities, and what distinguishes rheumatologic irAEs from classic autoimmune diseases. We explore the mechanistic overlaps between cancer immunotherapy and autoimmunity, the ethical and clinical dilemmas of balancing immune suppression with cancer control, and...
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Screening/Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension in Connective Tissue Disorder
ACR Journals On Air
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kristin to discuss her session at ACR Convergence on taking a personalized approach to pulmonary hypertension in connective tissue diseases. She shares why now is the critical moment for this shift and how “personalized” care extends beyond biomarkers and imaging to encompass clinical nuances, patient-reported symptoms, and multidisciplinary collaboration. We explore the key challenges in detecting pulmonary hypertension early, the promise of emerging technologies like AI-assisted imaging and molecular diagnostics, and the subtle red flags clinicians...
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B Prepared: Mechanisms of B Cell Tolerance in Health and Autoimmunity
ACR Journals On Air
In this episode, Dr. Shaun Jackson uses a compelling patient case to illuminate the complex mechanisms of immune tolerance and autoimmunity. He explains how B cells learn to avoid targeting the body’s own tissues through central and peripheral tolerance—and how these safeguards can fail. The discussion covers the roles of germinal centers, T cells, and rare genetic disorders in shaping immune regulation, with Alport’s syndrome and post-transplant Goodpasture’s disease serving as striking examples. Dr. Jackson also reflects on emerging directions in autoimmune research and shares...
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Late Lung Disease in Scleroderma
ACR Journals On Air
In this episode, our guests Dr. Sabrina Hoa and Dr. Marie Hudson explore new insights into late-onset interstitial lung disease (ILD) in scleroderma. Using data from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, they discuss how ILD can still develop years after diagnosis, challenging traditional screening timelines. They cover key findings, clinical implications, treatment patterns, and the need for more inclusive trials. The conversation also touches on mentorship and what’s next in scleroderma research.
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Castleman Disease
ACR Journals On Air
In this episode, we review the Arthritis & Rheumatology manuscript, “,” with Drs. Luke Chen and David Fajgenbaum. The discussion (which provides an essential, up-to-date overview of a rare but critical disease) highlights the clinical subtypes of Castleman Disease, its overlap with autoimmune and autoinflammatory syndromes, and current diagnostic and treatment strategies. Dr. Chen offers a hematologist’s perspective on disease classification, pathology, and practical management tips, while Dr. Fajgenbaum shares insights from his personal experience as a patient and his work...
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LUMEN
ACR Journals On Air
In this episode of ACR Journals on Air, host Dr. Vicki Shanmugam speaks with Dr. Alain Sanchez-Rodriguez about a new study from the Lupus Midwest Network (), published in Arthritis Care & Research. They explore how patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience delays and disparities in care, the types of physicians involved in diagnosis, and what the data reveals about access to specialized treatment. Dr. Sanchez-Rodriguez also shares his research journey and insights on improving equity in rheumatology.
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Looking in the Archives
ACR Journals On Air
This episode explores the ARChiVe Registry, a longitudinal database for pediatric vasculitis, with guest Dr. Sam, a pediatric rheumatologist and bioinformatician. The discussion covers the registry’s design, patient selection, and key outcomes, including remission rates, hospitalization, and damage scores (pVDI) across treatment strategies. Dr. Sam highlights how these findings inform clinical practice and discusses the challenges of observational data. The episode also touches on his unique background in social pediatrics and health informatics, emphasizing the evolving role of clinicians...
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SGLT2i in SLE with Type 2 Diabetes
ACR Journals On Air
This week, we explore the potential role of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and comorbid type 2 diabetes (T2D)—a population historically excluded from landmark SGLT2i trials. Our guest, Dr. Karen Costenbader, discusses the rationale behind the study, the nuances of trial emulation design, and key findings regarding cardiovascular and renal outcomes, infection risk, and prescribing patterns in this complex cohort. We also unpack implications for clinical decision-making and the evolving landscape of metabolic and...
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Naming Matters
ACR Journals On Air
Today, we explore why naming matters—especially when it comes to peripheral nervous system disorders in autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s. Dr. Shanmugam is joined by Dr. Ghaith Noaiseh and Kathy Hammitt, two key contributors to the recently published manuscript, "" in Arthritis & Rheumatology. Together, they discuss the critical importance of unified terminology across specialties, the implications for diagnosis and treatment, and how clearer, consistent language can empower both clinicians and patients. The conversation also delves into the development of Clinical Practice...
info_outlineThis episode explores the ARChiVe Registry, a longitudinal database for pediatric vasculitis, with guest Dr. Sam, a pediatric rheumatologist and bioinformatician. The discussion covers the registry’s design, patient selection, and key outcomes, including remission rates, hospitalization, and damage scores (pVDI) across treatment strategies. Dr. Sam highlights how these findings inform clinical practice and discusses the challenges of observational data. The episode also touches on his unique background in social pediatrics and health informatics, emphasizing the evolving role of clinicians as both diagnosticians and data stewards in rheumatology research.