Systemic autoimmune and rheumatic diseases (SAIRDs) encompass a range of disorders with a complex etiology and broad clinical manifestations. The intricate interplay of immunological processes leads to the development of these debilitating diseases. Physiologically, the immune system has multiple levels of negative feedback mechanisms that dampen immune responses and counteract establishment of chronic and destructive immunity. These immune-regulatory functions include a broad spectrum of cellular and molecular mechanisms. In autoimmune animal models and patients with SAIRD, various disorders of such regulatory mechanisms have been described. Knowledge and understanding of these immunomodulatory and pathogenic mechanisms can lead to the development of novel diagnostic strategies, and future therapies, providing better life expectancies to patients with SAIRD.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles and review papers on the role of derailed regulatory mechanisms underlying SAIRD. The topic of these articles should encompass basic, molecular mechanisms of immune regulation in autoimmune processes, cellular and molecular immune-regulatory functions, which can aid as biomarkers for diagnostics, as well as potential targeting of the immune-regulatory machinery, as possible therapeutic interventions. The call especially invites articles describing 1) the pathogenic role of dendritic cells, regulatory T- and B-cells, and regulatory cytokines in SAIRD, 2) advances in molecular genetics and molecular diagnostics, 3) new insights into defective regulatory functions in SAIRD, and 4) potential treatment options on modulating immune-regulatory processes, such as anticytokine therapy, small molecules, siRNA, or stem cells. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Recent developments in SAIRD research, with special emphasis on immune regulation
• Advances in genetics of regulatory functions
• Latest technologies for evaluating immune-regulatory functions
• The role of regulatory T- and B-cells in the pathogenesis
• Dendritic cells with immune-regulatory functions
• Cytokines and cytokine-networks controlling immune functions in the pathogenesis
• Modern therapeutic regimes, targeting regulatory cells and cytokines
• Stem cells and immune regulation

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jir/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: