Models of sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is characterized by hallmark, noncaseating granulomas, generally in the lung but frequently with the involvement of other tissues. It is one of the most common interstitial lung diseases in the Western world. The immunopathogenesis of sarcoidosis remains an area of considerable uncertainty. Th1 immune responses play a major role, and there is evidence for perturbation of regulatory T cells. It is assumed that this immune response must be targeted to an unknown microbial and/or self-antigen. Animal models have been used to mimic the disease with respect to granuloma formation. However, as would be expected for a disease in which the pathogenesis is so poorly understood, there are no models that fully reiterate the clinical picture.

Section editor:Daniel M. Altmann – Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK