Intraepithelial lymphocytes: to serve and protect.
The mucosal immune system is constantly exposed to a wide range of commensal and potentially pathogenic microbial species. Chronic exposure to foreign organisms makes generation of an appropriate immune response critical in maintaining a balance between elimination of harmful pathogens, peaceful coexistence with commensals, and prevention of autoimmunity. Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes provide a first line of defense at this extensive barrier with the outside world, and as such, understanding their role in immunity is critical.
Sheridan
Brian S
BS
Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA. bsheridan@uchc.edu
Lefrançois
Leo
L
D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D015820:Cadherins / Q000276:immunology; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000502:physiology; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000276:immunology; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D016827:CD8 Antigens; C409469:CD8 antigen, alpha chain; D015820:Cadherins; D019409:Interleukin-15; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta