Mucosal immunology studies how mucous membranes trap foreign substances and send messages to lymph nodes to attack invaders. Scientists hope to discover new drugs and vaccines to improve the immune system’s functioning and fight disease. The immune system can malfunction and attack healthy cells, leading to autoimmune diseases.
Mucosal immunology is a branch of biomedicine that studies toxins that enter the body through the respiratory, gastrointestinal, or reproductive tracts. These cavities provide pathways for harmful viruses, bacteria or pathogens to enter the body from the external environment. The mucus found in these tracts represents the first line of defense as part of the human immune system by creating barriers to toxic substances.
Researchers involved in mucosal immunology study how mucous membranes trap foreign substances called antigens and send messages to lymph nodes to start attacking these invaders. Scientists working in this branch of bioscience hope to discover new drugs and vaccines that improve the functioning of the immune system to fight disease and cure disease. They also study how these mucous membranes are breached by specific viruses, bacteria, or chemicals.
An example of the body’s mucosal immunological response occurs through a cough or sneeze, when tiny hairs called cilia antigens get trapped in the respiratory system. Diarrhea or vomiting typically occurs when gastrointestinal antibodies attempt to rid the body of harmful substances that enter the body from food or drink. Tears, urine, sweat, and vaginal secretions are also part of the mucosal immune system.
The human body produces immune cells called lymphocytes in the bone marrow to attack different types of antigens, with the highest concentration of lymphocytes being present in the mucus. As these cells mature, they enter the bloodstream, lymph nodes, and spleen. These lymphocytes trigger the secretion of antibodies to destroy antigens and protect the mucous membranes as part of a complex defense system against disease.
Mucous membranes are rich in dendritic cells, which are innate immune cells that can distinguish between benign and harmful substances entering the body. If a bacterium or virus invades, dendritic cells stimulate the production of white blood cells, or T cells, to attack the foreign antigen. B cells, considered helper cells, also become activated and bind to specific antigens. During this process, memory cells are also created which can activate a rapid response if the same foreign substance attacks the body again. Vaccines work by creating memory cells to protect themselves from disease.
If the immune system malfunctions, antibodies attack healthy cells along with foreign invaders, leading to autoimmune diseases such as lupus, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and allergies. The study of mucosal immunology examines how antigens pass through mucosal barriers and produce antibodies that destroy healthy tissue. This field of medicine also researches ways to strengthen the immune system and develop new vaccines to create memory cells.
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