Abstract
While fervently studied by several laboratories, the role of T cells in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) still remains a mystery. The studies concerning cell phenotype, antigen specificity, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-T-cell receptor (TCR) interaction gathered thus far all address important aspects of this intriguing conundrum. However, the lack of an animal model and the genetic diversity of the human population with PBC make this task even more difficult. The possibilities regarding immune therapy resulting from such studies are of great importance. Future work concerning the T-cell epitopes--for both the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), its related mitochondrial autoantigens, and any as yet unidentified PBC-specific autoantigens--may provide valuable information with regard to disease therapy. In addition, knowledge with regard to TCR usage and MHC association will help to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms of this enigmatic disease.
Citations
Jan 10, 2002·The Journal of Experimental Medicine·Hiroto KitaM Eric Gershwin
Jul 18, 2001·The Journal of Clinical Investigation·J A OdinA Rosen
May 8, 2002·The Journal of Clinical Investigation·Hiroto KitaM Eric Gershwin
Jul 24, 2012·BMC Gastroenterology·Pietro InvernizziGiuliano Torre
Apr 13, 2007·Fukushima Journal of Medical Science·Yukiko KannoHiromasa Ohira
Nov 25, 2000·Clinical and Experimental Immunology·T YamanoT Tsuji
Nov 8, 2008·Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy·Maria KatsaraVasso Apostolopoulos
Jul 1, 1999·Hepatology : Official Journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases·K YamazakiG J Gleich
Mar 3, 1999·Hepatology : Official Journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases·C D HowellW Chen
May 4, 2004·Hepatology : Official Journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases·Shuji MatsumuraM Eric Gershwin
Nov 25, 2004·Clinics in Liver Disease·V J Desmet
Sep 8, 2000·Baillière's Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology·Y NakanumaK Harada
Sep 8, 2000·Baillière's Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology·C P Strassburg, M P Manns
Sep 26, 2002·Hepatology : Official Journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases·Hiroto KitaM Eric Gershwin
Apr 21, 1999·Clinical and Experimental Immunology·J M PalmerD E Jones