Mechanisms of granuloma formation

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is an immunomediated multisystem disorder of unknown cause(s) frequently presenting with hilar lymphadenopathy, pulmonary infiltration, and ocular and skin lesions (1). The liver, spleen, lymph nodes, salivary glands, heart, nervous system, muscles, and bones are other frequently involved organs. From an immunological point of view, impaired delayed type hypersensitivity, imbalance of CD4/CD8T-cell subsets, an influx of Th1 helper cells to sites of activity, hyperactivity of B-cells, and circulation of immune complexes represent the most relevant features.