Immunologic approaches to the therapy of auto-immune salivary gland disease.

Abstract

A variety of immunologic mechanisms may theoretically give rise to disease in the salivary glands. Among them are abnormal antibody production, hyper-reactive T-lymphocytes, and mono- or oligoclonal expansions of B-lymphocytes. While it is not clear which, if any, of these mechanisms are of prime importance in the immunopathology of salivary gland disease, they provide a framework within which to discuss theoretical approaches to the treatment of auto-immune salivary gland disease. Among the techniques used to decrease antibody-induced damage are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, plasmapheresis, and corticosteroids. Cyclosporin, monoclonal antibodies, and biologic response-modifiers may be used to modulate T-cell function, and anti-idiotype antibodies or immunosuppressive agents may be used to treat malignant expansions of B-cells. Although the generally benign nature of auto-immune salivary gland disease precludes the use of many of the potentially toxic treatment regimens discussed here, the appreciation of these approaches to immunomodulation provides a basis upon which to develop new and innovative therapeutic strategies.

• Authors: H C Lane, A S Fauci
• Journal: Journal of dental research (J Dent Res) Vol. 66 Spec No Pg. 703-8 (Feb 1987) ISSN: 0022-0345 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3497965 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antigen-Antibody Complex
• Cyclosporins
• Immunoglobulin Idiotypes
• Interleukin-2

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic (administration & dosage)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (therapeutic use)
• Antibody Formation
• Antigen-Antibody Complex
• Autoimmune Diseases (therapy)
• B-Lymphocytes (immunology)
• Cyclosporins (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Immunoglobulin Idiotypes (immunology)
• Interleukin-2 (therapeutic use)
• Lymphocyte Activation (drug effects)
• Plasmapheresis
• Salivary Gland Diseases (immunology, therapy)
• T-Lymphocytes (immunology)