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CD4‐Positive Effector Memory T Cells Participate in Disease Expression in ANCA‐Associated Vasculitis
Author(s) -
ABDULAHAD WAYEL H.,
STEGEMAN COEN A.,
LIMBURG PIETER C.,
KALLENBERG CEES G.M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1196/annals.1381.003
Subject(s) - immunology , pathogenesis , effector , immune system , vasculitis , t cell , population , t lymphocyte , disease , medicine , biology , pathology , environmental health
Although the cause of ANCA‐associated vasculitis (AAV) remains undetermined, the presence of lymphocytic infiltrates in inflammatory lesions of patients suggests that vascular damage is immune mediated. Studies over the past decade have implicated a role for T cells in the pathogenesis of AAV as altered T cell phenotype has been observed in this disorder. The distribution of T cell subpopulations has been analyzed most intensely in Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), where an expanded population of circulating CD4 + effector memory T cells (CD4 + T EM ) was demonstrated. CD4 + T EM cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Specific suppression of CD4 + T EM cells inhibits delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) and has therapeutic potential in autoimmune disease. Thus, CD4 + T EM cells may act as inducers of tissue injury and participate in the development of AAV. Therapies that target CD4 + T EM , without impairing the activity of other lymphocyte subsets, may hold therapeutic promise for AAV .