**5. Conclusion**

SIL is prone to autoimmune diseases. SIL patients were positive for various auto-Abs such as ANA, SS-A, CENP-B and Fas. Some auto-Abs possess certain clinical values that reflect pre-autoimmune status. These auto-Abs are produced from B cells/plasma cells that receive some commands to generate these Abs from T cells. In T cells in SIL, an imbalance exists between Tresps and Tregs. Both are chronically activated by long-term silica exposure. Thereafter, Tresps survive longer and Tregs proceed to apoptosis. However, the cytokine status in SIL needs to be examined and compared with HV as well as some autoimmune diseases, SSC, SLE or ANCA-related vasculitis. Additionally, the role and alteration of Th17 cells require investigation from the viewpoint of autoimmune diseases, since these are considered to be important in modifying autoimmune status and dendritic cells which initially recognize silica particles.

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