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Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Isolation of Lymphocytes from Mouse Genital Tract Mucosa
Published on: September 3, 2012
Human Secretory IgM: An Elusive Player in Mucosal Immunity
Eva Michaud1, Carmelo Mastrandrea2, Nicolas Rochereau1
1GIMAP/EA3064, Université de Lyon, CIC 1408 Vaccinology, Saint-Etienne, France.
Abstract:
Secretory IgMs (SIgMs) were amongst the first identified immunoglobulins. However, their importance was not fully understood and recent advances have shown they play a key role in establishing and promoting commensal gut tolerance in mice and humans. The true interactions between SIgMs and the microbiota remain controversial and we aim to consolidate current knowledge in this review. Through comprehensive examination of SIgMs and their corresponding B cell secretors in several different pathological immunological contexts, we review the presumed role of these molecules in gut tolerance, inflammatory bowel diseases, and lung immunity. As SIgMs harbor a mostly tolerogenic function, we posit that their inclusion in further immunological research is paramount.
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