Anatomical basis of tolerance and immunity to intestinal antigens

AMI Mowat - Nature Reviews Immunology, 2003 - nature.com
AMI Mowat
Nature Reviews Immunology, 2003nature.com
The intestinal immune system has to discriminate between harmful and beneficial antigens.
Although strong protective immunity is essential to prevent invasion by pathogens,
equivalent responses against dietary proteins or commensal bacteria can lead to chronic
disease. These responses are normally prevented by a complex interplay of regulatory
mechanisms. This article reviews the unique aspects of the local microenvironment of the
intestinal immune system and discuss how these promote the development of regulatory …
Abstract
The intestinal immune system has to discriminate between harmful and beneficial antigens. Although strong protective immunity is essential to prevent invasion by pathogens, equivalent responses against dietary proteins or commensal bacteria can lead to chronic disease. These responses are normally prevented by a complex interplay of regulatory mechanisms. This article reviews the unique aspects of the local microenvironment of the intestinal immune system and discuss how these promote the development of regulatory responses that ensure the maintenance of homeostasis in the gut.
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