趋化因子CCL21与自身免疫性内分泌疾病

Chemokine CCL21 and autoimmune endocrine diseases

趋化因子CCL21是趋化因子受体（CCR）7的一个配体。它在次级淋巴器官（胸腺、淋巴结、脾脏）中组成性高表达。CCL21在自身免疫性疾病尤其是在糖尿病和自身免疫性甲状腺疾病的发生、发展中有重要作用。CCL21通过诱导内皮引导T细胞进入炎症和感染部位，刺激淋巴细胞增殖、诱导形成淋巴样结构，从而促进自身免疫的进展。

Chemokine CCL21 is a ligand of chemokine receptor （CCR）7. It is constitutively expressed at high level in secondary lymphoid organs （thymus, lymph node, spleen）. CCL21 plays an important role in the development of autoimmune diseases, especially in diabetes and autoimmune thyroid diseases. In these diseases, the expression of CCL21 induces T lymphocytes into the site of inflammation and infection through the endothelium, CCL21 also stimulates the proliferation of lymphocyte, promotes organization of lymphoid structure. Accordingly, it regulates the progression of autoimmunity.