This book provides a comprehensive review of the recent advances in the research of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Systemic sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, fibrosis, and immune activation. This disease is also associated with certain susceptibility genes and is affected by epigenetic regulation. Recent studies have revealed a variety of new evidence suggestive of the pathogenesis of the disease. These include endothelial progenitor cells, cytokines and growth factors, and B cells. Studies using animal models have also provided novel insight into the...