Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2007; 28(1): 003-014
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-970329
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Sarcoidosis-Immunopathogenetic Concepts

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

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 February 2007 (online)

ABSTRACT

Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disorder characterized by an accumulation of activated lymphocytes, predominantly T helper cells, expressing the Th1 phenotype and macrophages at sites of disease activity. Although the cause of sarcoidosis has not been elucidated, several lines of evidence suggest that granuloma formation results from exposure to one or more antigens, eliciting a T lymphocyte response. The induction and evolution of granuloma formation results from a complex interplay between diverse cell types, cytokines, and chemokines. Genetic polymorphisms may influence the clinical expression of the granuloma formation and disease outcome. This article discusses in depth the key cellular elements and signals that generate and orchestrate the sarcoid granulomatous response. The precise factors inciting the sarcoid granulomatous response have not yet been identified, but chronic exposure to microbial agents, their products, or inorganic substances may be important in the pathogenesis.

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Joachim Müller-QuernheimM.D. 

Department of Pneumology, University Medical Center, University Hospital Freiburg

Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany

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

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