AGTR1 and systemic sclerosis: In vitro, abs from SSc patients stimulated various cytokines (e.g. TGFß, IL-6, CCL18), chemokines (e.g. MCP1, IL-8), and adhesion molecules (VCAM-1) in cells such as in immune cells or in resident cells e.g. in microvascular dermal endothelial cells or in fibroblasts by signaling (18, 19, 22, 42) The reduction of the effects by AT1R and/or ETAR blockers indicates a contribution of anti-AT1R/ETAR abs.