Still's Disease and Autoinflammation: Positioning an Inflammatory Syndrome on the Autoinflammation-Autoimmunity Spectrum. [Review]

Pietsch, D.; Savic, S.

Still's Disease and Autoinflammation: Positioning an Inflammatory Syndrome on the Autoinflammation-Autoimmunity Spectrum. [Review]

All Authors

Pietsch, D.

Savic, S.

LTHT Author

Pietsch, Daniel
Savic, Sinisa

LTHT Department

Pathology
Clinical Immunology & Allergy

Publication Date

2026

Item Type

Journal Article
Review

Subject

STILL'S DISEASE, ADULT ONSET , AUTOIMMUNITY , HOSPITALISATION , CYTOKINES , ARTHRITIS, JUVENILE , INFLAMMATION , IMMUNITY

Abstract

PURPOSE OF THIS REVIEW: Still's disease exemplifies systemic inflammatory disorders existing on a continuum between autoinflammation and autoimmunity. This review examines Still's disease through this spectrum lens, integrating recent advances in pathogenesis, clinical heterogeneity, and therapeutic approaches. RECENT FINDINGS: Emerging mechanistic insights reveal complex innate-adaptive immune interactions. Type I interferon signalling and neutrophil extracellular trap formation drive inflammation, while hyperferritinemia actively perpetuates disease through Msr1-mediated signaling. mTORC1 has emerged as a central integration hub converging multiple cytokine signals. Adaptive mechanisms increasingly contribute to complications: both macrophage activation syndrome and lung disease demonstrate IFNgamma-dominant pathology with T cell hyperactivation. Clinical phenotyping identifies distinct patient clusters-from hyperferritinemic monocyclic to catastrophic multiorgan phenotypes-reflecting varying innate-adaptive contributions. Current classification criteria permit considerable diagnostic latitude and may inadvertently group mechanistically distinct conditions under a single diagnostic label. IL-1 and IL-6 receptor blockade remain therapeutic cornerstones, with evidence supporting early intervention during a window of opportunity. Novel approaches including IL-18 binding protein, JAK inhibitors, and IFNgamma blockade show promise in refractory disease. Still's disease predominantly reflects autoinflammatory pathology driven by innate immune dysregulation, yet adaptive mechanisms contribute meaningfully to disease heterogeneity and complications. Recognition as a spectrum disorder-with variable innate-adaptive contributions across patients and disease phases-supports unification of pediatric and adult forms, guides mechanistically targeted therapies, and emphasizes the need for biomarker-driven patient stratification to enable personalized treatment approaches.