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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
06:35

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis

Published on: February 8, 2019

Systemic vasculitides

Miguel A González-Gay1, Carlos García-Porrúa

  • 1Rheumatology Division, Hospital Xeral-Calde, Dr Ochoa s/n, 27004, Lugo, Spain. miguelaggay@hotmail.com

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology
|December 11, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Vasculitis involves blood vessel inflammation and necrosis, with increasing incidence and geographic variations. Genetic factors, like HLA-DRB1 alleles, influence susceptibility and severity in these complex autoimmune diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Vasculitides are a diverse group of diseases causing blood vessel inflammation and necrosis.
  • Manifestations vary widely based on vessel size and location.
  • Recent epidemiological studies indicate a progressive increase in vasculitis incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology and pathogenesis of vasculitides.
  • To highlight the role of environmental factors and genetic susceptibility.
  • To discuss recent findings on genetic associations in specific vasculitis types.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological data and recent scientific literature.
  • Analysis of genetic association studies in large and small-sized vasculitides.
  • Examination of environmental factors implicated in pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Vasculitis incidence is increasing, with geographic variations noted for giant cell arteritis and Wegener's granulomatosis.
  • Genetic factors, including HLA-DRB1 alleles, are associated with susceptibility to giant cell arteritis and Henoch-Schönlein purpura.
  • Gene polymorphisms, such as interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, may influence disease severity in cutaneous vasculitis.

Conclusions:

  • Vasculitis pathogenesis is complex, involving both environmental and genetic factors.
  • Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in disease susceptibility and severity.
  • Further research into genetic and environmental interactions is crucial for understanding and managing vasculitis.

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