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Related Concept Videos

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
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...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response01:28

Cells of the Innate Immune Response

The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Immunological Memory01:23

Immunological Memory

Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
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Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
08:50

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

Microbial exposure during early life has persistent effects on natural killer T cell function.

Torsten Olszak1, Dingding An, Sebastian Zeissig

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 24, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Early childhood exposure to microbes protects against immune diseases. In germ-free mice, a lack of microbes leads to immune cell accumulation and increased disease severity, highlighting the importance of early microbial contact.

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A Novel Feeder-free System for Mass Production of Murine Natural Killer Cells In Vitro
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A Novel Feeder-free System for Mass Production of Murine Natural Killer Cells In Vitro

Published on: January 9, 2018

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Last Updated: May 23, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
08:50

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

A Novel Feeder-free System for Mass Production of Murine Natural Killer Cells In Vitro
10:36

A Novel Feeder-free System for Mass Production of Murine Natural Killer Cells In Vitro

Published on: January 9, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Exposure to microbes in early life is linked to protection against immune-mediated diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and asthma.
  • Germ-free (GF) environments lack the microbial stimulation typically encountered by the immune system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of microbial exposure in regulating invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell populations in mucosal tissues.
  • To determine the impact of early-life microbial colonization on susceptibility to IBD and allergic asthma models.

Main Methods:

  • Comparison of GF mice with specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice in models of IBD and allergic asthma.
  • Analysis of iNKT cell accumulation in the colonic lamina propria and lung.
  • Measurement of chemokine ligand CXCL16 expression in intestinal and pulmonary tissues.
  • Colonization of GF mice with a conventional microbiota at different ages (neonatal vs. adult).

Main Results:

  • GF mice exhibited increased accumulation of iNKT cells in the colon and lung compared to SPF mice.
  • This iNKT cell accumulation in GF mice correlated with increased morbidity in IBD and asthma models.
  • Expression of CXCL16 was elevated in the mucosa of GF mice, associated with iNKT cell presence.
  • Neonatal colonization with microbiota, but not adult colonization, prevented iNKT cell accumulation and pathology.

Conclusions:

  • Early-life microbial exposure is critical for establishing tolerance in mucosal iNKT cells.
  • Age-sensitive microbial colonization programs the immune system to prevent exaggerated responses to environmental factors.
  • Disruption of early microbial contact can lead to immune dysregulation and increased susceptibility to immune-mediated diseases.