Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2010; 31(4): 390-403
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1262208
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Immunologic Response of Sarcoidosis

Gernot Zissel1 , Antje Prasse1 , Joachim Müller-Quernheim1
  • 1Department of Pneumology, University Hospital Freiburg, Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 July 2010 (online)

ABSTRACT

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.

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Joachim Müller-QuernheimM.D. 

Department of Pneumology

University Hospital Freiburg, Medical Center, Killian Str. 6, 79106 Freiburg, Germany

Email: joachim.mueller-quernheim@uniklinik-freiburg.de

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