The Th1/Th2 paradigm in the pathogenesis of scleroderma, and its modulation by thalidomide.
The immunity generated in response to an antigenic stimulus can result in at least two distinct subclasses of immune responses, commonly referred to as Th1 and Th2. This review describes Th1- and Th2-type immune responses in animal models and in human mediated disease. Evidence obtained from working within these models suggests that manipulating the Th1/Th2 balance in the immune response can alter disease processes. The possible application of this strategy in scleroderma is presented. The immune modulating effects of the drug thalidomide on Th1 and Th2 immunity are also described, along with the drug's potential application to disease processes like scleroderma.
Oliver
S J
SJ
Laboratory of Cellular Physiology & Immunology, Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA. olivers@rockvax.rockefeller.edu
D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013792:Thalidomide