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Notwithstanding the fact that the 12th international congress of autoimmunity (AUTO12) was held virtual this year, the number of the abstracts submitted and those presented crossed the thousand marks. Leading investigators and researchers from all over the world presented the latest developments of their research in the domain of autoimmunity and its correlation with various diseases. In terms of mechanisms of autoimmunity, an update on the mechanisms behind the association of autoimmunity with systemic diseases focusing on hyperstimulation was presented during AUTO12. In addition, a new mechanism of ASIA syndrome caused by an intrauterine contraceptive device was revealed demonstrating a complete resolution of symptoms following device removal. In regard to the correlation between autoimmunity and neurogenerative diseases, the loss of structural protein integrity as the trigger of immunological response was shown. Schizophrenia as well, and its correlation to pro-inflammatory cytokines was also addressed. Furthermore, and as it was said AUTO12 virtual due to COVID-19 pandemic, various works were dedicated to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 in terms of autoimmune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis, treatment and complications of COVID-19. For instance, the correlation between autoimmunity and the severity of COVID-19 was viewed. Moreover, the presence and association of autoantibodies in COVID-19 was also demonstrated, as well as the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases. Finally, immune-mediated reactions and processes secondary to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was displayed. Due to the immense importance of all of the topics addressed and while several hundreds of works were presented which cannot be summed up in one paper, we aimed hereby to highlight some of the outstanding abstracts and presentations during AUTO12.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a debilitating condition which still requires improvement in its management. There is a need for alternatives to anti-tumour necrosis factor drugs which are costly and beneficial in less than 50% of patients. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been used in the management of aminosalicylate- and steroid-resistant CD for more than 20years, although the published literature available is limited. A literature search identified 17 relevant publications since 1969, including five case reports of single patients, two abstracts, three conference papers, one review paper and six book or journal articles. No randomised controlled trials of IVIG in CD have been published. A review of the evidence identified indicates that IVIG can induce a rapid and significant improvement in aminosalicylate- and steroid-resistant CD, often within days of the initial administration. Data from longer-term studies show that maintenance of remission over the medium term is also possible. These encouraging findings provide a rationale for the initiation of larger randomised controlled trials of IVIG in CD with the aim of providing further treatment options for this difficult-to-manage condition.