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Microchimerism and scleroderma: an update
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Microchimerism and scleroderma: an update

Carol M Artlett
Current rheumatology reports, v 5(2), pp 154-159
Apr 2003
PMID: 12628047

Abstract

Chimera - immunology Female Graft vs Host Disease - immunology HLA Antigens - physiology Humans Pregnancy Scleroderma, Systemic - immunology Scleroderma, Systemic - physiopathology
Microchimerism has been defined by the presence of a low number of circulating cells transferred from one individual to another. This transfer takes place naturally during pregnancy, between mother and fetus, or between fetuses in multigestational pregnancies. Furthermore, the establishment of microchimerism can also occur during blood transfusion, as well as during bone marrow and solid-organ transplants. Recently, microchimeric cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic sclerosis. Studies have demonstrated an increased presence of microchimeric cells in peripheral blood and tissues from patients with systemic sclerosis, and, more recently, microchimeric cells were demonstrated to be specifically activated and capable of recognizing patient human leukocyte antigens.

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