Immune regulatory mechanisms in ANCA-associated vasculitides

Autoimmun Rev. 2011 Dec;11(2):77-83. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2011.08.002. Epub 2011 Aug 11.

Abstract

A group of primary vasculitides is associated with the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA). In these diseases, the contribution of ANCA to disease pathogenesis has been studied extensively. Also, in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitides, the T lymphocyte compartment is dysregulated, as aberrant distribution and function of T cell subsets has been shown. In this review we will discuss the putative role of T lymphocytes in inflammation and granuloma formation, as well as the involvement of B cell compartments in the pathophysiology of ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / complications
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / immunology*
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / metabolism
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / pathology
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / immunology
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / metabolism*
  • B-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Epitopes
  • Granuloma / complications
  • Granuloma / immunology*
  • Granuloma / metabolism
  • Granuloma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / immunology*
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Neutrophils / immunology
  • Neutrophils / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Epitopes