Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Caveolins (Cav) include Cav-1, Cav-2, and Cav-3, with Cav-1 being the most studied due to its prominent role as a major component of plasma membrane caveolae. Cav-1 is involved in a wide range of cellular functions and plays a key role in regulating signaling pathways related to immune responses and inflammation. Recently, research on Cav-1 in autoimmune diseases (AIDs) has garnered significant interest. METHODS: This paper provides an overview of the research on Cav-1's involvement in AIDs, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, systemic sclerosis, connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease, autoimmune disorders of the nervous system, autoimmune uveitis, autoimmune thyroid disease, and autoimmune myocarditis. RESULTS: Cav-1 plays a critical role in various AIDs, acting as a key protein in inflammatory and immune cells. It regulates multiple signaling processes by controlling the translocation of signaling molecules and modulating various pathways. Cav-1 is increasingly recognized as a biomarker in certain AIDs and may become pivotal in treating these diseases in the future. CONCLUSION: Cav-1 is a crucial player in the pathogenesis of many AIDs and has the potential to serve as both a diagnostic marker and a therapeutic target for these diseases. As research into Cav-1 deepens, it may offer new insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and drug sensitivity of AIDs, emerging as a promising target for future therapeutic strategies.