NIH scientists led an international team of researchers toward discovery of a new, adult-onset inflammatory disease abbreviated the VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome.

There’s no doubt that the global COVID-19 pandemic has upended our daily lives in unprecedented ways. This crisis has imposed unique challenges for people from all walks of life. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the strength, adaptability and resolve of the entire NIAMS community as we navigate this unpredictable situation.

Skin is the body’s largest organ and plays a vital role in health. It helps regulate body temperature, retain body fluid, and defend against the outside world. It also allows the sensation of touch and pain. Skin is a complex structure made up of multiple layers. It contains fat, nerves, glands, and hair follicles. Scientists have been able to grow human skin outside the body for over 40 years. However, skin grown in cultures lacked embedded structures, like hair follicles and sweat glands, found in real skin. A team of researchers led by Dr. Karl Koehler of Boston Children’s Hospital

Investigators funded in part by NIAMS have identified a novel type of cartilage cell that may have implications for regenerative medicine and could inform future therapeutic treatments for arthritis and other cartilage diseases.