Immunological Aspects of Sarcoidosis: Review

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
1. Sarcoidosis is characterized by granuloma formation in many tissues. The origin of the granuloma formation remains unknown. 2. The Kveim reaction (intradermic injection of a suspension prepared from sarcoid tissue) is a reliable aid in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis when a validated suspension is used. The reaction seems to be the expression of a specific lymphocyte response to an antigen of the suspension. 3. The number of circulating lymphocytes is decreased in the active forms. 4. Many parameters of T-cell function point to a decreased cellular immunity (impaired delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions, low E-rosette, impaired antigenic and mitogenic stimulation). 5. Antilymphocytic factors can be demonstrated in sarcoidosis serum and are perhaps responsible for the depression of T-cell function. 6. Other findings suggest a concomittant T-cell stimulation (atypical lymphocytes, increased spontaneous DNA formation and MIF production, Kveim reaction as an expression of cellular immunity). 7. The level of immunoglobins is significantly increased. There is a raised antibody titer against several viruses. This is interpreted as a stimulation of the humoral system. 8. Circulating immunecomplexes have been demonstrated in a limited number of cases. 9. The possible role of lymphocyte interactions and feedback mechanisms in the phenomena observed is discussed.