Abstract
One theory of the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease is that rather than being caused by a unique environmental agent, it is the result of an abnormal immune response in the gastrointestinal tract. Recent studies indicate that Crohn's disease in its early stages is frequently associated with the presence of circulating antigen-non-specific suppressor T cells. Such T cells are also found in experimental inflammation caused by Chlamydia organisms in the gastrointestinal tract of nonhuman primates. Taken together, these data suggest that the suppressor T cells are markers of an underlying and persistent, antigen-specific immune response to an as yet unidentified antigen or set of antigens. We postulate that this underlying antigen-specific response is the result of a primary immunoregulatory abnormality involving an imbalance between the effects of antigen-specific helper and suppressor T cells which recognize a common antigen or antigens present in the mucosal environment.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
