mucosal immunology

[Guest guest]

Mucosal Immunology 2, 403-411 (September 2009)

Th17 cells at the crossroads of innate and adaptive immunity against infectious

diseases at the mucosa

S A Khader, S L Gaffen and J K Kolls

AbstractT helper type 17 (Th17) cells are a distinct lineage of T cells that

produce the effector molecules IL-17, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22. Although the

role of Th17 cells in autoimmunity is well documented, there is growing evidence

that the Th17 lineage and other interleukin (IL)-17-producing cells are critical

for host defense against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections at mucosal

surfaces. Here we summarize recent progress in our understanding of the function

of IL-17-producing cells as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity

against infectious diseases at the mucosa.

http://www.nature.com/mi/journal/v2/n5/full/mi2009100a.html

Immunology: Cause of death matters

Brigitta Stockinger1

Top of pageAbstractThe process of programmed cell death can either induce

anti-inflammatory immune responses or actively promote inflammation. Whether the

dying cell is infected seems to govern which response is triggered.

To deal with invading pathogens efficiently, helper T cells of the adaptive

immune system differentiate to form distinct subsets of cells with specific

immune functions. Much work has been done on two such subsets, T helper type 1

and type 2 cells (TH1 and TH2 cells).

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v458/n7234/full/458044a.html

Antifungal defense turns 17

AbstractFungal recognition occurs partially through the C-type lectin dectin-1.

New studies show that dectin-mediated immune recognition of Candida albicans

induces the differentiation of interleukin 17–producing T helper cells that

express chemokine receptors characteristic of mucosal homing.

The innate immune system relies on pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) to

detect the presence of pathogens. Although Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the

best-characterized PRRs, several other families of innate immune receptors have

been described, including the Nod-like receptors, intracellular sensors of viral

nucleic acids, and a variety of C-type lectins

http://www.nature.com/ni/journal/v8/n6/full/ni0607-549.html