Lymphoid neogenesis in chronic inflammatory diseases

F Aloisi, R Pujol-Borrell - Nature Reviews Immunology, 2006 - nature.com
F Aloisi, R Pujol-Borrell
Nature Reviews Immunology, 2006nature.com
The frequent observation of organized lymphoid structures that resemble secondary
lymphoid organs in tissues that are targeted by chronic inflammatory processes, such as
autoimmunity and infection, has indicated that lymphoid neogenesis might have a role in
maintaining immune responses against persistent antigens. In this Review, we discuss
recent progress in several aspects of lymphoid neogenesis, focusing on the similarities with
lymphoid tissue development, the mechanisms of induction, functional competence and …
Abstract
The frequent observation of organized lymphoid structures that resemble secondary lymphoid organs in tissues that are targeted by chronic inflammatory processes, such as autoimmunity and infection, has indicated that lymphoid neogenesis might have a role in maintaining immune responses against persistent antigens. In this Review, we discuss recent progress in several aspects of lymphoid neogenesis, focusing on the similarities with lymphoid tissue development, the mechanisms of induction, functional competence and pathophysiological significance. As more information on these issues becomes available, a better understanding of the role of lymphoid neogenesis in promoting chronic inflammation might eventually lead to new strategies to target immunopathological processes.
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