[Paradoxical role of interferon-gamma in arthritis].
In T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Th1 cells and their cytokines, especially interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), are responsible for the induction and persistence of chronic inflammation and tissue destruction. But emerging evidence from experimental models has demonstrated that IFN-gamma also possesses unexpected anti inflammatory properties. The recent data discussed in this article indicate that beside the well-known proinflammatory efficacy, IFN-gamma may function as a master regulator of inflammation and immune responses. Such self-regulatory processes seem to play an important role in the inhibition of excessive responses and to maintain or reestablish homeostasis of the immune system.
Irmler
I
I
Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Ziegelmühlenweg 1, 07740 Jena, Deutschland.
Bräuer
R
R
D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000502:physiology*; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000502:physiology; D020382:Interleukin-18 / Q000502:physiology; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology
D020382:Interleukin-18; D018664:Interleukin-12; D007371:Interferon-gamma