Mucosal Immune Lab

The external surfaces of the body include the skin and several mucosal surfaces, such as the lining of the gut, nasal passages, airways, urinary tract and genitals. These mucosal tissues are exposed daily to an overwhelming load of substances in the form of harmful or commensal microorganisms, allergens, food antigens, etc. The mucosal immune system recognizes these diverse antigens through the presence of a highly efficient epithelial barrier and a large population of specialized and multifaceted immune cells in a scattered and organized pattern underneath epithelial cells. To maintain a balance between the good and the bad, the mucosal immune cells and molecules are carefully regulated to promote a normal immune defense capability without destruction of the mucosal tissues. Once the mucosal barrier and this thorough balance is disturbed, nonspecific stimulation and activation can lead to different forms of inflammation, resulting in pathological lesions and functional changes in the tissues. Chronic inflammation is generally considered as a causative factor in a variety of cancers.