Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Inflammation in the Co-occurrence of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome and Lung Adenocarcinoma
Published on: September 20, 2024
Advances in understanding the immunopathology of sarcoidosis and implications on therapy
Francesco Cinetto1, Carlo Agostini1
1a Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine - DIMED , University of Padova , Padova , Italy.
Introduction:
Sarcoidosis is a multi-systemic granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology. Ethnicity and environmental factors may influence disease incidence, phenotype and severity.
Areas Covered:
Predisposing genes are mainly involved in T cell and macrophage function, antigen presentation and recognition, and extra-cellular matrix turnover. No definitive relationship has been established with any proposed external trigger. A Th1/Th17-driven inflammatory process, involving macrophages both as antigen-presenting cells and key effectors, represent the main feature of the acute disease. Less is known about the determinants of clinical remission versus chronic disease and fibrosis. Treatment strategies mainly rely on immunosuppression with steroids and/or steroid-sparing drugs, in order to switch off acute inflammation and prevent disease evolution. Anti-TNF drugs represent a valuable option for chronic refractory diseases; no specific anti-fibrotic treatment is currently available. Expert commentary: Future therapeutic strategies will have to specifically target mediators and pathways involved in the chronic and fibrotic phase of sarcoidosis, focusing on genetic/genomic biomarkers and predictors of disease phenotype.
Related Concept Videos
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Tumor Immunotherapy
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...

