Advancements in the study of cuproptosis and copper metabolism in autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are a group of disorders characterized by the abnormal attack of the body ' s immune system on its own tissues and cells. These diseases affect multiple organ systems and pose a significant threat to human health. Currently, AIDs affect approximately 5% of the global population, leading to significant economic burdens. However, the etiology of AIDs remains unclear, and existing treatment modalities are still limited in efficacy. Recent studies indicate a close association between AIDs and mitochondrial dysfunction. Cuproptosis, a newly characterized form of cell death closely related to mitochondrial respiration, suggests a potentially significant role in the onset and progression of AIDs. Since the first half of the 20th century, the biological roles of copper have remained a focal point of sustained scientific investigation in life sciences. Recent studies have shown that copper metabolism affects the functionality of the immune system and is associated with the progression of inflammation and immune responses. This paper provides a summary of the biological functions, intervention mechanisms, and bioinformatics research of cuproptosis and copper metabolism in AIDs. It systematically reviews their roles and mechanisms in AIDs such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other diseases like osteoarthritis (OA), systematically examining the research progress of copper death and copper metabolism in AIDs. By thoroughly understanding the relationship of cuproptosis, copper metabolism, and AIDs, new therapeutic targets and approaches may be discovered, providing novel insights and possibilities for the treatment of AIDs.