[The role of immune cells and inflammatory mediators in pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation]

The initiators of intestinal inflammation are greatly variable, but the mechanisms underlying the immunologically mediated mucosal damage are similar. A great progress in our understanding of the functions of gut-associated lymphoid tissue was achieved because of the advances in immuno-biology and molecular immunology. At the beginning of an inflammation microorganisms and hither to derived products or allergen firstly stimulate and activate the specific and nonspecific immune cells, and then intestine epithelials, macrophages and lymphocytes release various cytokines. These cytokines are able to recruit more immune cells to be activated and more cytokines to be released. A "cascade" is then generated between epithelials, macrophages and lymphocytes. Finally the inflammation in certain area of intestinal tract is generated. The balance between inflammatory factors and anti-inflammatory molecules depends the results of the inflammation. Therefore, the better understanding of the mechanisms on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors is helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal inflammation.