title: The Th1 and Th2 paradigm in ANCA-associated vasculitis.
abstract: In the pathogenesis of anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, T cell contribution is indicated by T cell-dependent ANCA production combined with the presence of T cells in inflammatory infiltrates. However, the exact pathogenic role of T cells in ANCA-associated vasculitis remains to be determined. The Th1/Th2 concept is useful for understanding T cell involvement in pathological processes. This review focuses on T cells and particularly the Th1/Th2 paradigm in ANCA-associated vasculitis. Most research has been done in Wegener's granulomatosis, where a shift in T cell response, from a Th1 pattern in localized disease towards a Th0/Th2 pattern in generalized disease, appears to occur. Although less thoroughly studied, data in Churg-Strauss syndrome and microscopic polyangiitis indicate that these diseases are predominantly associated with Th2 patterns. Further studies elucidating the true nature of the polarization towards Th1 or Th2 in ANCA-associated vasculitis are clearly needed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / Q000032:analysis*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D014890:Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D018417:Th1 Cells; D018418:Th2 Cells; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic; D015415:Biomarkers