Background Immunotherapy has been widely used in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) research. We analyzed the published articles on SLE immunotherapy to understand the research trends and hot topics in this field. Methods English-language literature on SLE immunotherapy was searched from Web of Science Core Collection database for the period 2014–2024 incorporating both review articles and articles. Temporal publication patterns, inter-institutional cooperative networks, and emerging thematic priorities within this investigative sphere were rigorously analyzed through computational scientometric examination using CiteSpace analytical software. Results From an initial dataset of 402 articles, 374 records satisfied inclusion parameters for comprehensive evaluation. The USA (141 articles) emerged as the predominant contributor, with Harvard University (31 articles) representing the most productive institutional entity. At the individual investigator level, Abdel-Wahab, Noharas (4 articles) identified as the most prolific contributor. The highest-cited reference was Mackensen A (2022) with 20 citations. Co-citation network clustering revealed ten principal research domains: forkhead box P3, ICIs, SLE, multiple sclerosis, expression, systemic autoimmunity, term follow-up, n6-methyladenosine, T cells, and antiphospholipid syndrome. Temporal keyword analysis detected emerging investigative priorities including risk (strength 3.46), double blind (strength 3.2), primary Sjogrens syndrome (strength 3.13), low-dose interleukin 2 (strength 3.05), and cutting edge (strength 3.02). Conclusions This scientometric evaluation of 374 scholarly works emphasizes the critical importance of transnational collaborations among premier research institutions and developed nations in propelling SLE immunotherapy innovation. This bibliometric analysis reveals research trends and unmet needs in SLE immune therapies, guiding biologics development and precision medicine through core pathway identification and optimized trial designs. <Table Float="No" ID="Taba"> <tgroup cols="2"> <colspec align="left" colname="c1" colnum="1" /> <colspec align="left" colname="c2" colnum="2" /> <tbody> <row> <entry align="left" nameend="c2" namest="c1"> Key Points • Global research mapping: Identification of the USA (141 articles) and Harvard University (31 articles) as the predominant national and institutional contributors, respectively. • Intellectual structure analysis: Co-citation network clustering revealed ten principal research domains, including forkhead box P3, ICIs, n6-methyladenosine, and antiphospholipid syndrome, delineating the foundational knowledge structure. • Emerging frontiers detection: Temporal keyword analysis pinpointed evolving research priorities such as low-dose interleukin 2 (burst strength: 3.05), double-blind trials (strength: 3.2), and primary Sjögren’s syndrome (strength: 3.13). • Strategic implications: The study underscores the critical role of transnational collaborations in advancing SLE immunotherapy innovation and highlights unmet needs guiding future biologics development and precision medicine approaches through core pathway identification and optimized trial designs. </entry> </row> </tbody> </tgroup> </Table>

A bibliometric analysis on immunotherapy treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus: analysis of published evidence from 2014 to 2024

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2025年11月25日

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Datian Fu,
Yingdong Cao,
Ting Ma,
Haimei Wu

摘要

Background

Immunotherapy has been widely used in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) research. We analyzed the published articles on SLE immunotherapy to understand the research trends and hot topics in this field.

Methods

English-language literature on SLE immunotherapy was searched from Web of Science Core Collection database for the period 2014–2024 incorporating both review articles and articles. Temporal publication patterns, inter-institutional cooperative networks, and emerging thematic priorities within this investigative sphere were rigorously analyzed through computational scientometric examination using CiteSpace analytical software.

Results

From an initial dataset of 402 articles, 374 records satisfied inclusion parameters for comprehensive evaluation. The USA (141 articles) emerged as the predominant contributor, with Harvard University (31 articles) representing the most productive institutional entity. At the individual investigator level, Abdel-Wahab, Noharas (4 articles) identified as the most prolific contributor. The highest-cited reference was Mackensen A (2022) with 20 citations. Co-citation network clustering revealed ten principal research domains: forkhead box P3, ICIs, SLE, multiple sclerosis, expression, systemic autoimmunity, term follow-up, n6-methyladenosine, T cells, and antiphospholipid syndrome. Temporal keyword analysis detected emerging investigative priorities including risk (strength 3.46), double blind (strength 3.2), primary Sjogrens syndrome (strength 3.13), low-dose interleukin 2 (strength 3.05), and cutting edge (strength 3.02).

Conclusions

This scientometric evaluation of 374 scholarly works emphasizes the critical importance of transnational collaborations among premier research institutions and developed nations in propelling SLE immunotherapy innovation. This bibliometric analysis reveals research trends and unmet needs in SLE immune therapies, guiding biologics development and precision medicine through core pathway identification and optimized trial designs.

Key Points

• Global research mapping: Identification of the USA (141 articles) and Harvard University (31 articles) as the predominant national and institutional contributors, respectively.

• Intellectual structure analysis: Co-citation network clustering revealed ten principal research domains, including forkhead box P3, ICIs, n6-methyladenosine, and antiphospholipid syndrome, delineating the foundational knowledge structure.

• Emerging frontiers detection: Temporal keyword analysis pinpointed evolving research priorities such as low-dose interleukin 2 (burst strength: 3.05), double-blind trials (strength: 3.2), and primary Sjögren’s syndrome (strength: 3.13).

• Strategic implications: The study underscores the critical role of transnational collaborations in advancing SLE immunotherapy innovation and highlights unmet needs guiding future biologics development and precision medicine approaches through core pathway identification and optimized trial designs.