The role of allograft inflammatory factor 1 in systemic sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to review studies which support the hypothesis that allograft inflammatory factor-1, a protein initially identified in chronically rejected cardiac allografts, may be involved in the pathogenesis of the progressive fibroproliferative vasculopathy which is a hallmark of systemic sclerosis.


RESULTS
Recent findings demonstrated elevated allograft inflammatory factor-1 expression both in systemic sclerosis affected tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A detailed immunohistopathologic study examined the tissue and cellular localization of the protein in affected systemic sclerosis tissues and demonstrated its expression in the endothelium of dermal and pulmonary vessels, in the pulmonary parenchyma, and in relevant inflammatory cells including T cells and macrophages. Furthermore, functional studies showed specific allograft inflammatory factor-1 isoform expression stimulation by transforming growth factor-beta.


CONCLUSIONS
This review summarizes recent findings suggesting that allograft inflammatory factor-1 may play an important role in systemic sclerosis vasculopathy and provides supporting evidence to consider the molecule as a novel therapeutic target.
Del Galdo
Francesco
F
Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Artlett
Carol M
CM
Jimenez
Sergio A
SA
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000378:metabolism; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism
C112986:AIF1 protein, human; D015415:Biomarkers; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta