Allied Journal of Medical Research

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +1 (202) 780-3397

Rapid Communication - Allied Journal of Medical Research (2023) Volume 7, Issue 6

Mucosal Immunology: Defending the Front Lines of Health

Suzanne Casadei *

Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Albuquerque, USA

*Corresponding Author:
Suzanne Casadei
Department of Biology, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Albuquerque, USA
Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, USA
Brazil
E-mail: TasnimHajeer@gmail.com

Received: 26-Oct-2023, Manuscript No. AAAJMR -23-19519; Editor assigned: 30-Oct-2023, PreQC No. AAAJMR -23-19519 (PQ); Reviewed: 13-Nov-2023, QC No. AAAJMR -23-19519; Revised:18-Nov-2023, Manuscript No. AAAJMR-23-19519 (R); Published: 24-Nov-2023, DOI:10.35841/ aaajmr-7.6.202

Citation Keng D. Gastrointestinal pathology and the microbiome: Deciphering the gut's hidden influence. Allied J Med Res. 2023;7(6):203

Visit for more related articles at Allied Journal of Medical Research

Introduction

Introduction

The human body is engaged in a ceaseless battle to fend off intruders, ranging from harmful bacteria and viruses to environmental toxins. To accomplish this, it has developed a highly sophisticated defence system, collectively known as the immune system. At the forefront of this defense are the mucosal surfaces, the moist linings of the body's internal cavities, such as the digestive tract, respiratory system, and genital tract. This is where mucosal immunology comes into play, as it explores the intricate mechanisms and vital role of the immune system at these critical front lines of health. [1]

The mucosal surfaces represent the body's primary interface with the external world. They are a major entry point for a wide array of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Despite this constant threat, most individuals remain healthy, thanks to the remarkable defence mechanisms that guard these surfaces. [2].

The gut as a prime example

To understand the significance of mucosal immunology, consider the digestive tract. It's not only responsible for processing food and absorbing nutrients but also for safeguarding against potentially harmful microbes and toxins that enter the body with every meal. The gut's immune system must delicately balance the need to tolerate beneficial microbes while vigorously combating dangerous invaders. [3].

Mucosal immunology focuses on a specific branch of the immune system known as Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid tissue (MALT). MALT is a complex network of lymphoid tissues and immune cells situated at mucosal surfaces. This network is uniquely equipped to detect and respond to potential threats, as it must distinguish between harmless antigens, such as food proteins, and true threats, like pathogenic bacteria. [4].

Two key players in mucosal immunity are T cells and antibodies. T cells are integral to the immune system's memory, allowing it to remember past encounters with pathogens and mount a swift response in the event of reinfection. Meanwhile, antibodies provide targeted and specific defense, neutralizing harmful microbes and toxins [5].

Mucosal immunization and vaccines

The insights gained from mucosal immunology have paved the way for innovative vaccination strategies. Traditional vaccines are administered via injections, but mucosal vaccines aim to stimulate immune responses directly at mucosal sites. This approach is particularly relevant for diseases that primarily infect mucosal surfaces, such as respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses [6].

Balancing tolerance and immunity

Mucosal immunology faces the challenge of maintaining a balance between immune defense and tolerance. The immune system must effectively combat pathogens without mistakenly attacking harmless antigens or triggering chronic inflammation. Failure to strike this balance can lead to autoimmune diseases or inflammatory conditions [7].

Mucosal immunology and chronic diseases

Chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and allergies often involve dysfunction in mucosal immunity. Understanding the immune responses at mucosal surfaces is crucial for devising strategies to manage these disorders [8].

The future of mucosal immunology

Mucosal immunology is a field ripe for exploration and discovery. The complexities of immune responses at mucosal surfaces continue to be unveiled, offering new insights into the development of vaccines, treatments for inflammatory diseases, and the promotion of overall health [9].

In the relentless battle against pathogens and diseases, the immune system's front line, the mucosal surfaces, remains an area of intense research. Mucosal immunology reveals the remarkable defenses at work in our bodies, protecting us daily from a world filled with potential threats. As science delves deeper into this intricate field, the potential for improved health and well-being is vast, with innovations in vaccination, disease management, and immune modulation on the horizon [10].

References

  1. Song X, He X, Li X, et al. The roles and functional mechanisms of interleukin-17 family cytokines in mucosal immunity. Cell Mol Immunol. 2016;13(4):418-31.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Martini E, Krug SM, Siegmund B, et al. Mend your fences: The epithelial barrier and its relationship with mucosal immunity in inflammatory bowel disease. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;4(1):33-46.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Galdeano CM, Perdigon G. The probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus casei induces activation of the gut mucosal immune system through innate immunity. Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2006;13(2):219-26.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Dzidic M, Boix-Amorós A, Selma-Royo M, et al. Gut microbiota and mucosal immunity in the neonate. medical. 2018;6(3):56.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Lin S, Mukherjee S, Li J, et al. Mucosal immunity–mediated modulation of the gut microbiome by oral delivery of probiotics into Peyer’s patches. Science advances. 2021;7(20):eabf0677.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  6. Liévin-Le Moal V, Servin AL. The front line of enteric host defense against unwelcome intrusion of harmful microorganisms: Mucins, antimicrobial peptides, and microbiota. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006;19(2):315-37.

    7. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

     

  7. Rose MA, Zielen S, Baumann U. Mucosal immunity and nasal influenza vaccination. Expert review of vaccines. 2012;11(5):595-607.

    8. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  8. Allaire JM, Crowley SM, Law HT, et al. The intestinal epithelium: Central coordinator of mucosal immunity. Trends Immunol. 2018;39(9):677-96.

    9. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  9. Ghimire L, Paudel S, Jin L, et al. The NLRP6 inflammasome in health and disease. Mucosal immunology. 2020;13(3):388-98.

    10. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  10. Li M, Wang Y, Sun Y, et al. Mucosal vaccines: Strategies and challenges. Immunology letters. 2020;217:116-25.

    11. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App