MUCOSAL IMMUNE SYSTEM FOR THE REGULATION OF RESPIRATORY IMMUNE RESPONSES

Abstract

The respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are equipped with a unique mucosal immune system that contributes to immunosurveillance and immunological homeostasis in the harsh environments of the mucosal surfaces. While the respiratory and gastrointestinal immune systems share common mucosa-associated immunological features, they also show distinctive immunological phenotypes, functions, and developmental pathways. We describe here the common immunological features of the respiratory and gastrointestinal immune systems and their application to the potential development of mucosal immune therapy.