The immunity of upper airways.
A specialized immune system, called the nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT), is located on the mucosal surface of upper airways and is composed of both innate and specific immunity elements, closely related to each other and to the systemic defence, and spread over the nasopharynx, the nose and the middle ear. The NALT has a major role as regards to the infectious diseases of this area, which are the most common in children. It is also an interesting field of experimentation for new vaccine strategies in the future.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Florence Anna Meyer Children Hospital, Italy.
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Canessa
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Vierucci
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Azzari
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Vierucci
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000502:physiology*; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000276:immunology*; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000276:immunology