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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
08:02
In Vivo Augmentation of Gut-Homing Regulatory T Cell Induction
Published on: January 22, 2020
Immunomodulation of gut-associated lymphoid tissue: current perspectives
Diomira Luongo1, Rossana D'Arienzo, Paolo Bergamo
1Institute of Food Sciences, CNR, Avellino, Italy.
International Reviews of Immunology
|December 4, 2009
Summary
Researchers explored mucosal adjuvants to improve gut immune responses and tolerance. New strategies include modified cholera toxin, probiotics, and regulatory T cell expansion for conditions like celiac disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) balances protection against pathogens and immune tolerance.
- Effective immune responses at mucosal surfaces require specific adjuvants.
- Developing safe and effective mucosal adjuvants is crucial for treating immune-mediated diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and novel mucosal adjuvants for modulating gut immunity.
- To explore strategies for inducing immune tolerance in the gut.
- To discuss therapeutic approaches for immune-mediated diseases like celiac disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on mucosal adjuvants and immune tolerance induction.
- Analysis of novel adjuvant candidates, including modified toxins, nanoparticles, and probiotics.
- Examination of strategies targeting regulatory T cells and antigen entry.
Main Results:
- Cholera toxin variants depleted of toxicity have been developed as mucosal adjuvants.
- Lipid colloidal particles, bacterial DNA, and probiotics show potential as adjuvants.
- The B subunit of cholera toxin is used for tolerance induction; new strategies are emerging.
Conclusions:
- Mucosal adjuvants are essential for both protective immunity and immune tolerance in the gut.
- Novel strategies involving probiotics and regulatory T cell modulation offer promising avenues for therapeutic interventions.
- Understanding antigen-specific immune responses is key to developing targeted therapies for diseases such as celiac disease.
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