These results implicate the participation of NK cells and gammadelta T cells, especially CD8(+)/gammadelta T cells, in the pathogenesis of BD and may explain one mechanism by which IFN-alpha2a exerts therapeutic effects. Alternatively, they may result indirectly from remission induction by IFN-alpha2a. The reduced expression of HLA class I on monocytes in HLA-B*51-positive patients might reflect an impaired expression of and antigen presentation by HLA-B*51.
Background Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem vasculitis of unknown origin. Standard treatment comprises systemic immunosuppressive agents. In a study primarily designed for refractory ocular disease we additionally evaluated the efficacy of recombinant human interferon-alpha2a (rhIFN-alpha2a) for the extraocular manifestations. Method Fifty patients were included in the study. rhIFN-alpha2a was applied at a dose of 6 million units subcutaneously daily. Dose
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