Breaking down the Matrix: Autoimmunity | Webinar
October 2, 2025
Online webinar
Breaking down the Matrix: The Interplay Between Fibrosis, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity
Join us for our next dermatology webinar “Breaking down the Matrix: The Interplay Between Fibrosis, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity”, to learn more about the role of the ECM in the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions affecting both skin and joints, with a focus on systemic sclerosis and lupus.
Scientific Topics
Autoimmune skin diseases involve more than immune dysfunction—they disrupt tissue structure through early and persistent extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. This webinar examines the ECM’s central role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions affecting both skin and joints, with a focus on systemic sclerosis and lupus.
Systemic sclerosis is characterized by immune dysregulation, vascular abnormalities, and progressive fibrosis, driven by activated fibroblasts and sustained pro-fibrotic signaling that lead to excessive ECM deposition and multi-organ involvement. In lupus, widespread inflammation and immune-mediated tissue damage also intersect with ECM remodeling, contributing to disease heterogeneity and long-term complications.
By exploring shared inflammatory and fibrotic pathways across these diseases, we highlight recent advances in targeted therapies designed to interrupt ECM-driven pathology and improve disease management.
Agenda
- CEST 17:00-17:10 / EDT 11:00-11:10 | Welcome and Introduction to the Extracellular Matrix and Autoimmunity by moderator Dr. Signe Holm Nielsen
- CEST 17:10-17:30 / EDT 11:10-11:30 Prof. Dr. Dinesh Khanna
- CEST 17:30–17:50/ EDT 11:30-11:50 | Prof. Dr. Joanne Michelle Kahlenberg
- CEST 17:50-18:10 / EDT 11:50-12:10 | TBA
- CEST 18:10-18:30 / EDT 12:10-12:30 | Questions from the chat
Expected duration: 90 minutes
Speakers
Prof. Dr. Dinesh Khanna
- Prof. Dr. Dinesh Khanna is a leading expert in scleroderma and related conditions, with an H-index of 107, i10-index of 485, and over 64,000 citations.
- He directs a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, scientists, and researchers focused on advancing understanding and treatment of scleroderma.
- His research includes the development of novel patient-reported outcome measures for scleroderma and various joint diseases.
- Dr. Khanna has extensive expertise in clinical trial design for evaluating new treatments in scleroderma.
- He plays a key role in leading international initiatives to establish management guidelines for scleroderma and gout.
- His work bridges patient-centered research with evidence-based clinical practice.
- Dr. Khanna is recognized globally for shaping therapeutic strategies in rare autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.
- He is committed to improving quality of life and outcomes for patients through innovative research and clinical care.
- His leadership fosters strong collaborations between academia, clinical medicine, and patient advocacy groups.
- Dr. Khanna’s contributions have positioned him as a driving force in rheumatology and systemic autoimmune disease research.
Prof. Dr. J. Michelle Kahlenberg
- Prof. Dr. J. Michelle Kahlenberg is a physician-scientist and Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan.
- She has an H-index of 47, i10-index of 103, and over 8,600 citations.
- Her clinical expertise focuses on managing complex lupus cases, particularly those with refractory skin disease.
- Dr. Kahlenberg’s research investigates pathogenic mechanisms in cutaneous lupus, drivers of photosensitivity, and the links between skin inflammation and systemic lupus activity.
- She integrates clinical insight with laboratory research to advance understanding and treatment of lupus.
- Her work has earned recognition from the Arthritis National Research Foundation, the Rheumatology Research Foundation, the American Society for Clinical Investigation, and the Lupus Foundation of America.
- She is committed to developing targeted therapeutic strategies for lupus patients with challenging skin manifestations.
- Dr. Kahlenberg’s research contributes to a deeper understanding of how localized skin disease can impact systemic autoimmune activity.
- She is a leader in translational lupus research, bridging patient care and mechanistic discovery.
- Her work continues to shape the future of precision medicine in lupus care.
This webinar is co-hosted with the extracellular matrix pharmacology congress.
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