Innate immunity in inflammatory bowel disease

Jesus K. Yamamoto-Furusho, Daniel K. Podolsky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Scopus citations

Abstract

The human intestinal tract is home to an enormous bacterial flora. The host defense against microorganisms can be divided into innate and adaptive immunity. The former is the most immediate line of response to immunologic challenges presented by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The mucosal immune system has evolved to balance the need to respond to pathogens while co-existing with commensal bacteria and food antigens. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), this hyporesponsiveness or tolerance breaks down and inflammation supervenes driven by the intestinal microbial flora. Bacteria contain compounds and are recognized by a variety of receptors, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NODs (a family of intracellular bacterial sensors) and are potent stimuli of innate immune responses. Several mutations in these receptors have been associated with development of IBD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5577-5580
Number of pages4
JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume13
Issue number42
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 14 2007

Keywords

  • Immunity
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Innate
  • Toll-like receptors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

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