Innate immune activation in intestinal homeostasis

Harrison, O. J. and Maloy, K. J. (2011) Innate immune activation in intestinal homeostasis. Journal of Innate Immunity, 3(6), pp. 585-593. (doi: 10.1159/000330913) (PMID:21912101) (PMCID:PMC3224517)

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Abstract

Loss of intestinal immune regulation leading to aberrant immune responses to the commensal microbiota are believed to precipitate the chronic inflammation observed in the gastrointestinal tract of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Innate immune receptors that recognize conserved components derived from the microbiota are widely expressed by both epithelial cells and leucocytes of the gastrointestinal tract and play a key role in host protection from infectious pathogens; yet precisely how pathogenic and commensal microbes are distinguished is not understood. Furthermore, aberrant innate immune activation may also drive intestinal pathology, as patients with IBD exhibit extensive infiltration of innate immune cells to the inflamed intestine, and polymorphisms in many innate immunity genes influence susceptibility to IBD. Thus, a balanced interaction between the microbiota and innate immune activation is required to maintain a healthy mutualistic relationship between the microbiota and the host, which when disturbed can result in intestinal inflammation.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Maloy, Professor Kevin
Authors: Harrison, O. J., and Maloy, K. J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Journal of Innate Immunity
Publisher:Karger
ISSN:1662-811X
ISSN (Online):1662-8128
Published Online:07 September 2011

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