Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a diverse autoimmune disease. Clinical and pathologic manifestations of SSc are the result of:

(1) innate/adaptive immune system abnormalities leading to production of autoantibodies and cell-mediated autoimmunity,

(2) microvascular endothelial cell/small vessel fibro proliferative vasculopathy, like digital ulcers, and nail-fold capillary, and

(3) fibroblast dysfunction generating excessive accumulation of collagen and other matrix components in skin and internal organs. All three of these processes interact and affect each other. The disease is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation.

The human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is discussed as a triggering factor for endothelial damage in SSc and it leads to T-cell activation. In addition, increased expression of surface receptors like CX3CR1 and LFA-1 were noticed. The aims of my study are to analyze phenotype and adhesive properties of CMV-specific T cells in SSc compared to healthy controls by flow cytometry and to validate the extent of adhesion of CMV-specific T cells in an in vitro model, called coated capillaries.