[New immunology--immunology of pattern recognition receptors]

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) have been found on all cells of the body--cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems, epithelial and endothelial cells, keratinocytes, etc. PRRs can recognize specific molecular structures of microorganisms as well as allergens and other substances. The interaction with ligands of foreign microorganisms activates PRRs, after which host cells start to produce cytokines to both specifically activate innate immunity and to control adaptive immune reactions. On the other hand, no immune response develops against microorganisms of the normal microflora. Practically, the development of all immune responses is controlled by PRRs. These responses start in epithelial cells, skin cells, and vascular epithelial cells, which meet alien first. The immune system uses these cells to control the composition of normal microflora. Accordingly, the definition of immune system functions should be complemented by the regulation of body's microflora in addition to the protection from alien and altered self.