Immunologic response of sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disorder characterized by an accumulation of T lymphocytes, macrophages, and immune-effector cells within affected organs. The pathogenesis of sarcoidosis involves a complex interplay between immune and nonimmune cells, with myriad cytokines and chemokines involved in the orchestration and evolution of the granulomatous/fibrotic process. The etiology of sarcoidosis is not known, but a granulomatous response to antigen(s) is likely. Genetic polymorphisms influence the susceptibility to sarcoidosis as well as the evolution/prognosis of the disease among patients with sarcoidosis. This article discusses the complex immunological events and immune effector cells that are critical to the induction, evolution, and resolution of the sarcoid granulomatous response.
Zissel
Gernot
G
Department of Pneumology, University Hospital Freiburg, Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany.
Prasse
Antje
A
Müller-Quernheim
Joachim
J
D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D018925:Chemokines / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D016676:Macrophages, Alveolar / Q000276:immunology; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011379:Prognosis; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D000941:Antigens; D018925:Chemokines; D016207:Cytokines