The role of allograft inflammatory factor 1 in systemic sclerosis
Francesco Del Galdo, Thomas Jefferson University; Carol M. Artlett, Thomas Jefferson University; and Sergio A. Jimenez, Thomas Jefferson University

DATE: November 2006
SOURCE: Current Opinion in Rheumatology, vol18, iss6, pp.588-593

275 AIF Review - Del Galdo et al.doc

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ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT:
This article has been peer reviewed. It is the authors' final version prior to publication in Current Opinion in Rheumatology Volume 18, Issue 6, November 2006, Pages 588-593. The published version is available here. Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

ABSTRACT:

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To review studies which support the hypothesis that allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1), a protein initially identified in chronically rejected cardiac allografts, may be involved in the pathogenesis of the progressive fibroproliferative vasculopathy which is a hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Recent findings: Recent findings demonstrated elevated AIF-1 expression both in SSc affected tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A detailed immunohistopathologic study examined the tissue and cellular localization of the protein in affected SSc tissues and demonstrated its expression in the endothelium of dermal and pulmonary vessels, in the pulmonary parenchyma, and in relevant inflammatory cells including T cells and macrophages. Furthermore, functional studies showed specific AIF-1 isoform expression stimulation by TGF-β.

Summary: This review summarizes recent findings suggesting that AIF-1 may play an important role in SSc vasculopathy and provides supporting evidence to consider the molecule as a novel therapeutic target.