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The price of immunity
Romina S Goldszmid1, Giorgio Trinchieri
1Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, US National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, USA.
Nature Immunology
|September 20, 2012
Summary
The immune system defends the body but can also cause damage. This review explores how the immune response, influenced by microbes, protects and harms tissues.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
Background:
- Innate and adaptive immune responses prevent foreign organism colonization and aid tissue repair.
- Immune response intensity is regulated by feedback circuits to prevent collateral damage.
- Host-commensal microbiota interactions significantly influence immune system function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of host-commensal microbiota mutualism in modulating immune responses.
- To discuss protective and pathogenic effects of immune responses.
- To illustrate immune-mediated tissue and systemic damage.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of innate and adaptive immunity.
- Analysis of host-commensal microbiota interactions.
- Examination of immune system feedback mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Immune responses are crucial for homeostasis but can cause collateral damage.
- Host-commensal microbiota can have protective or pathogenic effects on immunity.
- Immunity to pathogens can lead to unintended tissue and systemic damage.
Conclusions:
- Understanding immune regulation and microbiota influence is key to preventing immune-mediated damage.
- The immune system's protective and damaging capabilities are intricately linked to microbial presence.
- Further research into immune-microbiota crosstalk can inform therapeutic strategies.
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