Behçet's syndrome pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets

Intern Emerg Med. 2014 Apr;9(3):257-65. doi: 10.1007/s11739-013-1036-5. Epub 2014 Jan 12.

Abstract

Behçet syndrome is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by multiorgan involvement such as oral and genital ulcers, uveitis, skin lesions as well as by less frequent, but often more severe, central nervous system and vascular manifestations. The pathogenetic mechanisms are still incompletely known; however the interaction between a specific genetic background and environmental or infectious factors certainly contributes to the immune dysregulation that characterizes this disease. The discovery of new immunological pathways in Behçet syndrome pathogenesis may help us to set up new treatments. In this review, we will focus our attention on the possible mechanisms underlying Behçet syndrome pathogenesis and their potential role as novel therapeutic targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Behcet Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Behcet Syndrome / etiology
  • Behcet Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy