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Tertiary Lymphoid Structure: A Potential Therapeutic Target Affecting Immune Response in Autoimmune Diseases
Yanni Li1, Rongrong Zheng1, Xiaoxuan Wei1
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) form in autoimmune diseases, promoting immune responses and tissue damage. Targeting TLSs offers potential for new diagnostic biomarkers and therapies for autoimmune conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Autoimmune diseases involve a loss of self-tolerance, leading to organ-specific or systemic conditions.
- Persistent inflammation in autoimmune diseases drives the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in affected tissues.
- TLSs are ectopic lymphoid formations that sustain local immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathological relevance of TLSs in autoimmune diseases.
- To explore the mechanisms underlying TLS formation.
- To discuss the therapeutic targeting potential of TLSs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current knowledge on TLSs in autoimmunity.
- Analysis of mechanisms driving TLS formation and function.
- Evaluation of TLSs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- TLSs facilitate antigen presentation, B cell maturation, and proliferation within autoimmune lesions.
- These structures exacerbate local immune-mediated tissue damage.
- TLSs are implicated in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune conditions.
Conclusions:
- TLSs play a critical role in the immune microenvironment of autoimmune diseases.
- TLSs represent promising biomarkers for diagnosis and targets for novel therapies.
- Further understanding of TLSs can advance autoimmune disease management.
Keywords:
Antigen-antibody reactionAutoimmune diseasesImmune microenvironmentTertiary lymphoid structuresTherapeutic targetMore Related Videos
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