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Ectopic lymphoid-like structures in infection, cancer and autoimmunity
Costantino Pitzalis1, Gareth W Jones2, Michele Bombardieri1
1Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
Nature Reviews. Immunology
|June 21, 2014
Summary
Ectopic lymphoid-like structures form at inflammation sites, impacting infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and transplant rejection. Understanding their formation and function offers therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Ectopic lymphoid-like structures (ELS) arise at sites of inflammation.
- These structures influence various pathologies, including infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and transplant rejection.
- ELS range from simple cell clusters to organized structures with germinal centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the formation and functions of ELS in human pathology.
- To explore the clinical implications of ELS.
- To discuss the potential for therapeutic targeting of ELS.
Main Methods:
- Review of investigations in experimental model systems.
- Analysis of patient cohorts.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on ELS formation and function.
Main Results:
- ELS are present in diverse inflammatory conditions.
- The presence of ELS is associated with varied clinical outcomes, both beneficial and detrimental.
- Mechanisms of ELS formation in human pathology are not fully understood.
Conclusions:
- ELS play a significant role in human diseases.
- Further research into ELS mechanisms is needed.
- Targeting ELS presents a potential therapeutic strategy.
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