Interactions between epithelial cells and dendritic cells in airway immune responses: lessons from allergic airway disease

Authors: van Tongeren, J.¹; Reinartz, S. M.¹; Fokkens, W. J.¹; de Jong, E. C.²; van Drunen, C. M.¹

Source: Allergy, Volume 63, Number 9, September 2008 , pp. 1124-1135(12)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

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Abstract:

Micro-organisms constantly invade the human body and may form a threat to our health. Traditionally, concepts of defence mechanisms have included a protective outer layer of epithelia and a vigilant immune system searching for areas where the integrity of the outer layer may be compromised. Instead of considering these elements as two independent mechanisms, we should be treating them as a single integrated system. This review will present and discuss the role of local immune-competent cells and local epithelia in the recognition of potential pathogens and how the interaction between the two components may affect the initiation of the airway immune response. A concept emerges where airway mucosal dendritic cells act as integrators of both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive signals that act within actively-involved mucosal tissue.

Keywords: airway epithelial cells; allergy; dendritic cells; immune response

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01791.x

Affiliations: 1: Departments of Otorhinolaryngology 2: Cell Biology & Histology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

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