title: Anatomical basis of tolerance and immunity to intestinal antigens.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology and Bacteriology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow G11 6NT, UK. a.m.mowat@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
authors.forename: Allan McI
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Mowat
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000276:immunology; D007422:Intestines / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000276:immunology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000276:immunology; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D018448:Models, Immunological; D010581:Peyer's Patches / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens