Role of chemokines in ectopic lymphoid structures formation in autoimmunity and cancer.
Volume
104
Pagination
333 - 341
DOI
10.1002/JLB.3MR0218-062R
Journal
J Leukoc Biol
Issue
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Ectopic (or tertiary) lymphoid structures (ELS) are organized aggregates of lymphocytes resembling secondary lymphoid organs and developing in chronically inflamed nonlymphoid tissues during persistent infections, graft rejection, autoimmune conditions, and cancer. In this review, we will first depict the mechanisms regulating ELS generation, focusing on the role played by lymphoid chemokines. We will then characterize ELS forming in target organs during autoimmune conditions, here exemplified by rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer, highlighting the relevance of the tissue-specific factors. Finally, we will discuss the clinical significance of ELS and the therapeutic potential of their inhibition and/or enhancement depending on the disease considered.