Role of IL-13 in systemic sclerosis

► IL-13 is important in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). ► Peripheral blood effector CD8+ T cells from SSc produce high levels of IL-13. ► Dysregulation associated with abnormal expression of GATA-3 nuclear protein. ► Critical for predisposing SSc patients to more severe forms of cutaneous disease. ► IL-13 and GATA-3 are potential biomarkers of immune dysfunction in SSc.