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Published on: September 12, 2013
The birth of innate immunity
1Division of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92117, USA. rgallo@ucsd.edu
Experimental Dermatology
|July 25, 2013
Summary
This study reveals that epithelial cells produce antimicrobial proteins, a key component of innate immunity. This discovery, initially overlooked, highlights the crucial role of non-leukocyte cells in immune defense.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Modern immunology recognizes immune defense involves a network beyond bone marrow-derived leucocytes.
- This includes epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and neural elements.
- The study re-examines a foundational paper on cellular immunity.
Observation:
- A 1922 paper by Fleming and Allison described epithelia producing a protein with direct antimicrobial activity.
- This discovery was largely overlooked for 75 years.
- The protein identified is an antimicrobial protein (AMP).
Findings:
- Epithelial cells possess inherent antimicrobial capabilities.
- This represents the earliest description of an antimicrobial protein (AMP).
- The findings underscore the significance of epithelial cells in innate immunity.
Implications:
- This work marks the origin of the field of innate immunity.
- It broadens the understanding of immune system components beyond traditional leucocyte focus.
- Highlights the historical underappreciation of epithelial cell contributions to host defense.
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