Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown origin with predominant lung involvement, variable clinical course, and no universally accepted treatment algorithm. Despite extensive research, the aetiology and pathogenesis of sarcoidosis remains largely unknown. A number of triggers in the development of sarcoidosis may lead to the occurrence of autoimmune inflammation in sarcoidosis, characterized by the presence of autoantigen-specific T cells and autoantibody producing B lymphocytes. Similar patterns of cellular immune dysregulation have been seen in sarcoidosis and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Sarcoidosis patients carry a higher risk of comorbid autoimmune conditions, leading to significant diagnostic challenges as to whether there is true co-existence/overlap rather than sarcoidosis mimicking systemic autoimmune disease (i.e. autoimmune thyroid disease, Sjogren’s syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis). Similarities with autoimmune diseases suggest the possibility of common pathogenetic and genetic predisposition pathways, providing an excellent opportunity to further understand autoimmunity and explore biologic therapies in sarcoidosis treatment.
In this Research Topic, we aim to focus on recent progress in the understanding of the role of autoimmunity in development and progression of sarcoidosis. Ultimately this should facilitate moving into a new era of personalized, and hopefully more effective, treatment of sarcoidosis. Here, we welcome Original Research, Review, and Mini-review covering, but not limited to the following subjects:
• Immunologic pathways involved in sarcoidosis pathogenesis
• Sarcoidosis cohort study
• The role of autoimmunity in sarcoidosis development and progression
• Novel approaches for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis
• The role of sarcoidosis biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis
• New biologic therapies for sarcoidosis treatment
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown origin with predominant lung involvement, variable clinical course, and no universally accepted treatment algorithm. Despite extensive research, the aetiology and pathogenesis of sarcoidosis remains largely unknown. A number of triggers in the development of sarcoidosis may lead to the occurrence of autoimmune inflammation in sarcoidosis, characterized by the presence of autoantigen-specific T cells and autoantibody producing B lymphocytes. Similar patterns of cellular immune dysregulation have been seen in sarcoidosis and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Sarcoidosis patients carry a higher risk of comorbid autoimmune conditions, leading to significant diagnostic challenges as to whether there is true co-existence/overlap rather than sarcoidosis mimicking systemic autoimmune disease (i.e. autoimmune thyroid disease, Sjogren’s syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis). Similarities with autoimmune diseases suggest the possibility of common pathogenetic and genetic predisposition pathways, providing an excellent opportunity to further understand autoimmunity and explore biologic therapies in sarcoidosis treatment.
In this Research Topic, we aim to focus on recent progress in the understanding of the role of autoimmunity in development and progression of sarcoidosis. Ultimately this should facilitate moving into a new era of personalized, and hopefully more effective, treatment of sarcoidosis. Here, we welcome Original Research, Review, and Mini-review covering, but not limited to the following subjects:
• Immunologic pathways involved in sarcoidosis pathogenesis
• Sarcoidosis cohort study
• The role of autoimmunity in sarcoidosis development and progression
• Novel approaches for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis
• The role of sarcoidosis biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis
• New biologic therapies for sarcoidosis treatment