Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Using Unfixed, Frozen Tissues to Study Natural Mucin Distribution
Published on: September 21, 2012
[Discovering of mucosal immunity]
Agnieszka Czyzewska1, Grazyna Majkowska-Skrobek
1Klinika Immunologii i Reumatologii Wieku Rozwojowego Akademii Medycznej we Wrocławiu. czyzewskaagnieszka@wp.pl
Abstract:
The mucosal surface area of gastrointestinal, respiratory and urogenital tracts of an adult individuals is about 400 m2 and is the main route of infection and potential harmful agents penetration. It emphasize the essential role of the mucosal immune system (MALT). The beginnings of mucosal immunology, based on the people's observations and believes, descent from ancient times, when the attempt of immunization of human organism against distressed illness have been undertaken. Discovery of a MALT system elements and mechanisms of the mucosal immunity working occured in the 20th century. At that time, the base of beneficial properties of human and other animals' secretions have been recognized, starting from milk, through saliva, ending to feces. Nowadays, it is known, that in all secretions, beside innate defence, the main part of mucosal immunity perform antibodies synthetized locally, with the predominance of the class A (IgA). In this paper the greatest discoveries, leading to the understanding of mucosal immunization resulting in systemic resistance, have been approached.
Related Concept Videos
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
Secondary Lymphoid Organs
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...

