The immunology of sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis continues to be a disease of research interest because of its complicated immune mechanisms and elusive etiology. So far, it has been established that granulomatous inflammation in sarcoidosis is predominantly a T-helper 1 immune response mediated by a complex network of lymphocytes, macrophages, and cytokines. The cause of progression to a chronic and potentially fibrotic form is unclear but may involve loss of apoptotic mechanisms, loss of regulatory response, or a persistent antigen that cannot be cleared. Recent genomic and proteomic technology has emphasized the importance of host susceptibility and gene-environment interaction in the expression of the disease.
Gerke
Alicia K
AK
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. alicia-gerke@uiowa.edu
Hunninghake
Gary
G
D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000276:immunology*; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex / Q000276:immunology*; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*