Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Author Spotlight: Developing a Unique Modular Microphysiological System to Mimic Human Barrier Tissue
Published on: February 16, 2024
The oral mucosa: A barrier site participating in tissue-specific and systemic immunity
N M Moutsopoulos1, H M Moutsopoulos2
1Oral Immunity and Inflammation Unit, National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Abstract:
In the oral cavity, the immune system is constantly exposed to unique tissue-specific signals, including a rich community of commensal microbes and their metabolites, continuous tissue damage from mastication, and antigens from food and airborne particles. How this unique combination of signals participates in the training of specialized immunity at this site is not well understood, yet imbalance of local responses is linked to tissue-specific disease susceptibilities with the prototypic disease being periodontitis. However, the oral mucosa is also well recognized as a site where systemic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases often manifest, indicating that systemic immune deregulation is reflected in the function of the oral immune system. This commentary will discuss both aspects of compartmentalized and systemic immunity at the oral mucosa.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Continuous-Release Systems
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Introduction
What is the Immune System?
Humoral Immune Responses
Oral Cavity
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...

