A marvel of mucosal T cells and secretory antibodies for the creation of first lines of defense

The mucosal immune system acts as a first line of defense against bacterial and viral infections while also playing a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of mucosal homeostasis between the host and the outside environment. In addition to epithelial cells and antigen-presenting cells (d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS 2005-06, Vol.62 (12), p.1308-1321
Main Authors: Kunisawa, J, Kiyono, H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Antigen-Presenting Cells - immunology
B-Lymphocytes - immunology
Humans
Immunity, Mucosal
Immunoglobulin A, Secretory - immunology
Intestinal Mucosa - immunology
T-Lymphocytes - immunology
T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic - immunology
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Summary:The mucosal immune system acts as a first line of defense against bacterial and viral infections while also playing a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of mucosal homeostasis between the host and the outside environment. In addition to epithelial cells and antigen-presenting cells (dendritic cells and macrophages), B and T lymphocytes form a dynamic mucosal network for the induction and regulation of secretory IgA (S-IgA) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. This review seeks to shed light on the pathways of induction and regulation of these responses and to elucidate the role they simultaneously play in fending off pathogen invasion and maintaining mucosal homeostasis.
ISSN:1420-682X
DOI:10.1007/s00018-005-5035-1