Rationale for T cell inhibition by cyclosporin A in major autoimmune diseases

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005 Jun:1051:658-65. doi: 10.1196/annals.1361.110.

Abstract

T cells exert a fundamental role in different autoimmune chronic inflammatory diseases. The low-affinity autoreactive T cell clones provide the first amplification loop after the antigen (AgX) presentation, and if not counterregulated by the T regulatory cells (Treg), they maintain the inflammation and predispose to organ damage. Interrupting the T cell amplification loop through calcineurin antagonists leads to maintenance of the whole process under the autoimmune threshold.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • CD28 Antigens / physiology
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / drug therapy
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / immunology
  • Cyclosporine / pharmacology*
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use
  • Cytokines / physiology
  • Dermatomyositis / drug therapy
  • Dermatomyositis / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects*

Substances

  • CD28 Antigens
  • Cytokines
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine