Mucosal modulation of immune responses to heat shock proteins in autoimmune arthritis |
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Authors: | Dustan Bonnin Salvatore Albani |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA;(2) Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, 92093-0663 La Jolla, CA, USA;(3) Cevis Corporation #1486-M, Sorrento Valley Blvd., 92121 San Diego, CA, USA |
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Abstract: | Induction of oral tolerance to antigens that are targets of self-reactive immune responses is an attractive approach to antigen-specific
immune therapy of autoimmune diseases. Oral tolerization has indeed proven to be safe and effective in amelioration of autoimmune
diseases in animal models. In humans, results have been somewhat controversial. The emphasis given to clinical outcome rather
than to immunomodulation, and the difficulty in identifying appropriate candidate antigens contribute to the controversy.
Heat shock proteins are promising targets for immune intervention. Immune reactivity to heat shock proteins has indeed been
correlated with autoimmune arthritis in animal models, and abnormal immune responses to heat shock proteins have been described
in human arthritis as well. Despite significant recent progress, little is known at a molecular level regarding the mechanisms
which are responsible for a switch from autoimmunity to tolerance in humans. This is particularly true with respect to sequential
analysis of several molecular and immunologic markers during both the course and treatment of disease. Novel approaches are
currently under way to fill the gaps. We will briefly detail here the experience gained to date, and identify some of the
avenues which future research will explore. |
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Keywords: | autoimmunity dnaJ heat shock proteins oral tolerance rheumatoid arthritis Th1/Th2 immunomodulation |
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