Gene expression data in CD4+ and CD8+ cells in sarcoidosis patients following antimycobacterial therapy. Homo sapiens

Many chronic cutaneous diseases associated with microbial antigens demonstrate clinical progression due to T cell hyporesponsiveness. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy restores T cell function, leading to clinical resolution. Due to the association of sarcoidosis with mycobacterial antigens, we compared the efficacy of antimycobacterial therapy with placebo in chronic cutaneous sarcoidosis. Overall design: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind trial on chronic cutaneous sarcoidosis subjects. Participants received the oral CLEAR regimen: Levofloxacin 750 mg on day 1, then 500 mg daily, Ethambutol 1200 mg daily, Azithromycin 500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg daily, and Rifampin 300 mg daily, or a comparative placebo regimen, for a total of 8 weeks, with a 180 day follow-up. Participants were monitored for absolute change in lesion diameter and decrease in granulomas burden upon completion of therapy.