Targeting CD4+ T cells for the treatment of sarcoidosis: a promising strategy?

Sarcoidois is an inflammatory disease of unknown origin characterized by the abnormal accumulation of noncaseating granulomas at sites of disease activity in multiple organs throughout the body with a predilection for the lungs. Because the exact trigger that leads to disease activity is still under investigation, current treatment options are contingent on the organ or organs affected. Corticosteroids are the therapy of choice, but antimalarials and TNF-alpha antagonists are also commonly prescribed. Recent findings provide evidence for the use of CD20 B-cell-depleting therapy as an alternative method of choice. However, because sarcoidosis is predominantly a T-helper cell-driven disorder, an overwhelming amount of compelling evidence exists for the use of CD4(+) T-cell targeted therapy.