Mechanism To Protect Against Infections At Mucosal Linings

Researchers have identified a mechanism that could help the body protect itself against infections at mucosal linings - which include the mouth, the intestines, the lungs and other areas. These are the main entry points for many viruses and other infectious organisms.The findings of the research team at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology have been published online today in the journal Nature Immunolog.
The team, led by Hilde Cheroutre, Ph.D., conducted their experiments in mouse models using Listeria
“We are hopeful that our findings will open the door to creating strategies to bring stronger immune memory (cells) to the mucosal borders,” Dr. Cheroutre said.
Memory cells are important since they can persist for the life of the individual and will act rapidly upon encountering the same infection later in life to provide immediate protection. The generation of pre-existing immune memory is the basis for successful vaccination, which works by administering non-dangerous, pathogen-like antigens, which trigger the body to develop immune memory cells that will fight the virus or bacteria if seen again.
Specifically, the researchers discovered that the body has a distinct process for establishing strong immunity at the mucosal borders. They also identified a molecule for showing that mucosal protective immune cells are in place, which is a major finding that could significantly aid researchers worldwide in future vaccine design. The molecule is CD8aa.
“We found a specific mechanism that selectively sorts out the best T cells (CD8aa) to become memory T cells at the (mucosal) border,” said Dr. Cheroutre. T cells are the body’s infection fighting white blood cells. “The immune system has developed a very ingenuous system to make that selection and to ensure that the ones that reside at the (mucosal) border are the fittest T cells.”