The Intestine: where amazing things happen

Cell Res. 2012 Feb;22(2):277-9. doi: 10.1038/cr.2011.204. Epub 2011 Dec 20.

Abstract

We all have been taught that the immune system is educated in the thymus; however, where the immune system receives the second lesson in order to be tolerant against non-harmful pathogens, such as commensal bacteria, has never been addressed. Considering that commensal bacteria colonize the intestine and that regulatory T (Treg) cells are enriched in this organ, one could think that the intestine is the place where this second lesson would occur. This idea was now sustained by the work of Lathrop et al., which sheds new light on the complex mechanism of peripheral tolerance induction.

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Intestines / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Thymus Gland / immunology