Physiopathology of sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis results from an uncontrolled cell-mediated immune reaction involving activated T cells and monocytes-macrophages, characterized by the formation of typical granulomas at the sites of the lesions. The interactions between both cell types induce the release of several mediators that play a central role in the development of granulomas, allowing to design new therapies. The aetiology of sarcoidosis remains unknown, but the disease is currently viewed as the consequence of a chronic immunological response associating a genetic susceptibility and specific environmental factors.