36.3  Immunologic diseases caused by cytotoxic T lymphocyte

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response against a viral infection can lead to injurious condition to the host cells and tissues. Many viruses produce a cytopathic effect which are detected by the CTLs and destroyed. While many viruses don't produce any cytopathic effects and CTLs may fail to distinguish it and destroy the cells. This often progresses towards a condition where the CTLs destroy the cells which may be harmful to the host. Development of myocarditis following the infection of Coxsackievirus B is a common consequence of this kind of reaction.

 

36.4 Therapeutic approaches for immunologic diseases

The field of immunology has grown up to a large extent due to increasing research and understanding of the basic science. The novel therapeutics, have greatly increased the life expectancy of the human population. Anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids are used to treat the hypersensitivity diseases.  Many cytokines are also used in controlling the chronic inflammation and tissue damages of same origin.