Related Experiment Videos
Induction of the mucosal immune response
1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294.
Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Secretory IgA (SIgA) protects mucosal surfaces but is vulnerable to pathogen proteases. Developing effective mucosal vaccines requires understanding SIgA induction and overcoming evasion mechanisms for enhanced immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Secretory IgA (SIgA) is crucial for mucosal immunity, produced by plasma cells in submucosae and glandular stroma.
- SIgA induction involves the common mucosal immune system, where antigens stimulate B lymphocytes committed to IgA synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate regulatory cells and factors governing mucosal immune responses.
- To explore strategies for developing effective mucosal vaccines against pathogens invading through mucosal surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Experimental induction of SIgA antibodies using bacterial and viral antigens in humans.
- Analysis of pathogen proteases that cleave human IgA1.
Main Results:
- Limited clinical application of oral SIgA-inducing vaccines despite experimental success.
- Identification of pathogen proteases as a significant immune evasion mechanism targeting human IgA1.
Conclusions:
- Significant potential exists for identifying immunogens and adjuvants to create protective mucosal vaccines.
- Addressing pathogen IgA1 cleavage is critical for maximizing the effectiveness of mucosal immunity.