T cells and cytokines in Crohn's disease

Curr Opin Immunol. 1997 Dec;9(6):793-9. doi: 10.1016/s0952-7915(97)80180-x.

Abstract

Recent findings indicate that activated T lymphocytes, showing restricted T-cell receptor repertoire and a Th1-like profile of cytokine production, are responsible for macrophage activation and release of inflammatory cytokines, toxic oxygen metabolites and nitric oxide, which initiate and maintain the transmural intestinal inflammation in Crohn's disease. A critical event in the promotion of Th1-type response at gut level may involve up-regulation of IL-12 production and the breakdown of tolerance against the intestinal flora.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Crohn Disease / immunology*
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Cytokines / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Macrophage Activation
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines