| Theme |
Molecular Medicine of Gastrointestinal Disorders : from Basics to Applications |
| Title |
Gut Mucosal Immunological Molecular Mechanisms |
| Author |
Tetsuro Takayama |
Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Tadakazu Hisamatsu |
Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Toshifumi Hibi |
Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
The gut is exposed to enteric bacteria and food antigens. However, it maintains homeostasis without the development of acute or chronic inflammation in normal situations. Recent studies on gut innate immunity have unveiled detailed regulation and crosstalk between epithelial cells and monocytic cells such as macrophages, NK cells and dendritic cells. In relation to acquired immunity, one very important paradigm concerning helper T cell subsets has been developed and has had a great deal of impact on this field and has furthered knowledge related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Some key molecules participating in gut homeostasis have also been discovered recently and these have gaven us a great deal of new knowledge concerning IBD pathogenesis. Further studies are needed to decide on disease specific targets for therapy and curative treatment of IBD. |