Myocarditis: the immunologist's view on pathogenesis and treatment.
Viral myocarditis is a frequent and often unrecognised cause of post-inflammatory cardiomyopathy. The role of viral persistence and heart-specific autoimmunity in the development of myocarditis and heart failure is still controversial. This review updates the current view on the immunological mechanisms of disease development and addresses the current and future role of immunomodulation and immunosuppression as treatment options for defined subgroups of patients with myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy.
Burian
Julia
J
Experimental Critical care Medicine, Department of Research, university Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
Buser
Peter
P
Eriksson
Urs
U
D000818:Animals; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents