Analysis of blood dendritic cells and lymphocytes in patients with autoimmune polyglandular syndromes (APS) and isolated autoimmune endocrine diseases — a pilot study

Abstract

The immune system represents a highly effective and dynamic network that can protect a host from pathogens. Immunological self tolerance, peripheral and central, is critical for the prevention of autoimmunity and maintenance of immune homeostasis (I). It is well known that lymphocytes Г compartment is responsible for regulation and balance of immune response. Breakdown of immunotolérance in T cells is thought to be connected with development of many autoimmune disorders (1.2). Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes (APS) are rare immune-polyendocrinopathies characterized by coexistence of at least two endocrine glands insufficiency as well as the failure of nonendocrine organs, based on autoimmune mediated mechanisms (3). In 1980 Neufeld and Blizzard (4) suggested a classification of APS, based on clinical grounds indicating the four main types. The onset of autoimmune endocrinopathies is multifactorial in character and the factors include genetic predisposition, external etiological factors and disorders of the regulation in the microenvironment of target organs. However, only in type I (also known as autoimmune polyendocrinopathy. candidiasis and ectodermal dystrophy, APECED)