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Published on: June 16, 2020
Microchimerism and systemic sclerosis
Sergio A Jimenez1, Carol M Artlett
1Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA. Sergio.Jimenez@Jefferson.edu
Purpose Of Review:
Although 6 years have elapsed since the initial report describing the presence of microchimeric cells in affected tissues from patients with systemic sclerosis, a mechanism by which these cells might contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease is still unknown. This article reviews the published literature related to the possible role of microchimeric cells in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis.
Recent Findings:
Numerous studies have reported the identification or quantification of microchimeric cells in the peripheral blood or tissues from systemic sclerosis patients; however, only one study to date has investigated their function. Recent investigations have demonstrated microchimeric cells in the clinically uninvolved tissues from patients with systemic sclerosis, suggesting that these cells are present in early disease. However, after the identification of microchimeric cells in blood and tissues of patients with systemic sclerosis, these cells have been found in organs affected by nonautoimmune conditions. These cells are also commonly detected in the peripheral blood of healthy people.
Summary:
These observations have raised questions about whether microchimeric cells are responsible for the pathologic events in systemic sclerosis or are merely remnants of a pregnancy remote in time, and it has been suggested that they might also have beneficial effects for the host.
Insights
Microchimeric cells, remnants from pregnancy, are found in systemic sclerosis patients. Their role in disease pathogenesis remains unclear, with potential beneficial effects suggested.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis Research
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microchimeric cells are cells shared between mother and fetus.
- Their presence in systemic sclerosis (SSc) tissues was first reported six years ago.
- The mechanism by which microchimeric cells contribute to SSc pathogenesis is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the potential role of microchimeric cells in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis.
- To explore the significance of microchimeric cell presence in SSc.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published studies.
- Analysis of research on microchimeric cell identification and quantification.
- Examination of functional studies of microchimeric cells.
Main Results:
- Microchimeric cells are identified in SSc patients' blood and tissues.
- These cells are present even in early, clinically uninvolved SSc tissues.
- Microchimeric cells are also found in non-autoimmune conditions and healthy individuals.
Conclusions:
- The role of microchimeric cells in SSc pathology is uncertain.
- They may be benign remnants of past pregnancies.
- Potential beneficial effects for the host have been proposed.
