T-helper cells as new players in ANCA-associated vasculitides |
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Authors: | Wayel H Abdulahad Peter Lamprecht Cees GM Kallenberg |
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Institution: | Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands. w.abdulahad@int.umcg.nl |
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Abstract: | In anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitides (AAV), several observations support a key role of T-helper
cells (CD4+ T cells) in disease pathophysiology. An expanded population of effector memory CD4+ T cells in AAV patients may contribute to tissue injury and disease progression. In addition, functional impairment of regulatory
T cells (TRegs) is reported in AAV patients. A fraction of TRegs have the capacity to differentiate into Th17 cells in the context of a proinflammatory environment. Therefore, nonfunctionality
of TRegs described in AAV patients may be caused by their conversion into IL-17-producing cells that may contribute to granulomatous
vasculitis. Further investigations directed at the plasticity of TRegs in AAV patients are warranted. |
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