My research projects are focused on the immunology of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and the role of autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of this disease.

My group reported the presence  stimulatory anti PDGF Receptor autoantibodies in scleroderma (JBC, 2005; NEJM, 2006; Arthritis Rheumatology 2015) and in chronic GVHD with scleroderma-like lesions (Blood 2007), which helped understand the pathogenesis of these disorders (NEJM, 2009) and pave the way to novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools (Arthritis Res Therapy 2014; Clin Exp Rheumatol 2015). More recently data were submitted for publication showing the role of infectious agents in the loss of tolerance to PDGFR and the generation of anti PDGFR autoantibodies. Further projects in progress focalize on the role of NAD metabolism and CD38 in the generation of fibrosis (see Figure; Nature Rev Rheumatol 2021 and 2023) and on epigenetics.

At the clinical level I collaborated in developing the disease activity criteria of scleroderma (ARD and AR 2001)