Related Experiment Videos
Epitope spreading in immune-mediated diseases: implications for immunotherapy
Carol L Vanderlugt1, Stephen D Miller
1Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Interdepartmental Immunobiology Center, Northwestern University Medical School, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Nature Reviews. Immunology
|March 26, 2002
Summary
Tissue damage during immune responses can activate self-reactive lymphocytes, a process known as epitope spreading. Understanding this T-cell mechanism is key to developing targeted treatments for immune-mediated diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Immune responses can cause tissue damage, potentially leading to autoimmunity.
- Self-reactive lymphocytes (T and B cells) may become activated following initial tissue injury.
- Epitope spreading is a proposed mechanism linking initial damage to broader immune activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept of epitope spreading at the T-cell level.
- To explore the cellular and molecular basis of T-cell epitope spreading.
- To highlight the relevance of epitope spreading to chronic immune-mediated diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on T-cell epitope spreading.
- Analysis of evidence from human diseases and animal models.
- Discussion of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved.
Main Results:
- Accumulating evidence supports the role of epitope spreading in immune responses.
- Epitope spreading involves the activation of self-reactive T cells following initial insult.
- The process is observed in various chronic immune-mediated conditions.
Conclusions:
- Epitope spreading is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of chronic immune-mediated diseases.
- Understanding epitope spreading is essential for developing antigen-specific therapies.
- Further research into the mechanisms of epitope spreading can guide treatment strategies.