Description
Book SynopsisBehçet's Disease (BD) is one of the most-studied systemic disorders characterized by an occlusive vasculopathy of multiple organs. The etiology and pathogenesis of BD are still unclear, but there is evidence for genetic, immunologic and infectious factors in the onset and throughout the course of the disease. Immunology of Behçet's Disease highlights various aspects of BD. After an epidemiological overview, the clinical presentation of ocular and non-ocular symptoms of BD are summarized. The immunopathological changes reflect a chronic vasculitis of arterioles, venules and capillaries. The role of T-cells, but also of NK-T-cells, secreted cytokines and neutrophils is covered. For years microorganisms have been under investigation as initiating BD and, in particular, immune reactions against various microbial heat shock proteins could be an important etiological factor. It has been shown that the pathogenic gene involved in the development of BD is pinpointed to HLA-B51. Finally, the treatment of BD is discussed in detail, including new options like anti-TNF-alpha-antibodies and interferon-alpha. Immunology of Behçet's Disease summarizes our knowledge regarding the most important factors that induce or trigger BD and will stimulate research in the field and help to initiate new ideas.
Table of Contents1. Epidemiology of Adamantiades-Behçet's Disease 2. A Proposal to Study the Frequency of Rare Diseases 3. Non-Ocular Manifestations 4. Ocular Manifestations in Behçet's Disease 5. Immunohistopathology of Behçet's Disease 6. T Cells in Behçet's Disease 7. Nk and Nk-T Cells Possibly Involved in Behçet's Disease 8. Cytokines in Behçet's Disease 9. Autoimmunity in Behçet's Disease 10. An Attempt To Create A Behçet's Disease Model In Mice 11. Neutrophil Hyperfunction in Behçet's Disease 12. Role of Infectious Organisms in Behçet's Disease 13. The Role of Heat Shock Proteins in Behçet's Disease 14. Association of HLA-B51 Suballeles with Behçet's Disease in Patients of German and Turkish Origin 15. Peptide Motif of HLA-B*5101 and the Linkage To Behçet's Disease 16. Microsatellite Mapping of the Pathogenic Gene of Behçet's Disease 17. The Treatment of Behçet 18. The Efficacy of Anti-TNF-Alpha Antibody in the Treatment of Uveitis Patients with Behçet's Disease 19. Use of Interferon-a in Behçet's Disease 20. Type I Interferon Treatment of Experimental Autoimmune Uveoretinitis
