Long-lasting tissue inflammatory processes trigger autoimmune responses to extracellular matrix molecules
Roberto Bei1, Laura Masuelli, Camilla Palumbo
1Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. bei@med.uniroma2.it
International Reviews of Immunology
|April 26, 2008
Summary
Chronic inflammation promotes extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, potentially triggering autoimmune responses against ECM components. This review explores how inflammation drives autoimmunity and sustains tissue damage.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Inflammatory microenvironments promote extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling.
- Autoimmune responses to ECM molecules are observed in inflammatory diseases.
- The pathogenesis of these diseases is not primarily linked to ECM autoimmunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular interplay governing ECM remodeling during tissue inflammation.
- To discuss how chronic inflammation induces autoimmune responses to ECM components.
- To examine how this autoimmunity contributes to local or distant tissue damage.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of molecular mechanisms.
- Analysis of inflammatory pathways.
- Examination of autoimmune responses to ECM.
Main Results:
- Chronic inflammation drives ECM remodeling.
- Inflammation can induce autoimmunity against ECM components.
- Elicited autoimmunity sustains or initiates tissue damage.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between inflammation and ECM remodeling is critical.
- Inflammation-induced autoimmunity against ECM is a significant factor in tissue pathology.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key for therapeutic strategies.
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