Immunology of the porcine gastrointestinal tract

The gastrointestinal immune system is presented with a contrasting array of antigens, ranging from harmless dietary components to highly pathogenic microorganisms. The mucosal immune system has the ability to recognise different groups of antigens and has evolved a battery of responses from which an appropriate response may be orchestrated. The question as to how the mucosal immune system categories antigens and selects a particular response is central to this process but it remains largely unanswered. The solution to this question is likely to hold the key to the development of safe and effective mucosal vaccines as well as suggesting methods for the prevention and control of allergic responses. Enteric diseases resulting from antigens (microbial and dietary) presented via the gastrointestinal tract are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In addition to being of substantial economic importance, growing public awareness on animal welfare and food quality confirms the urgent need for new methods of disease control.