In SSc, an increased expression of CD248 and MMRN-2 was found in dermal fibroblasts and MVECs, respectively, with CD248+ SSc fibroblasts being able not only to inhibit the angiogenic performance of healthy MVECs but also induce their apoptosis, suggesting that increased CD248 may contribute to microvascular rarefaction [29]. This evidence concerns the gene CD248 and systemic sclerosis.