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Fig. 1 | BMC Rheumatology

Fig. 1

From: Giant cell arteritis: pathogenic mechanisms and new potential therapeutic targets

Fig. 1

Vascular dendritic cells (vasDC) activate T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells by presenting antigen in the context of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules. Abatacept can bind to CD80/86 and therefore block the required co-stimulatory signal required for T cell activation. Both B cells and vasDCs secrete interleukin (IL)-6 which stimulates Th17 cells via binding to its respective the T cell receptor (TCR). Sirukumab blocks soluble IL-6 whereas tocilizumab and sarilumab target the soluble and membrane-bound IL-6 receptor (IL-6R). IL-12 and IL-23 are secreted by vasDCs and antigen presenting cells and stimulate Th1 and Th17 cells, respectively. Ustekinumab binds the p40 subunits of both IL-12 and IL-23. Major effector cytokines produced by Th1 cells include IL-2 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and cytokines produced by Th17 cells include IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22

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