Mucosal immune system of digestive and respiratory tracts: possibilities of prevention and treatment of infectious diseases

Abstract

The immune system of the body’s mucous membranes plays a huge role in the development, maintenance and regulation of immune homeostasis, being an important component of the multi-component immune system. The structural basis of local immunity is the lymphatic tissue associated with the mucous membranes (MALT). There is now scientific evidence that the mucous membrane sections of different body systems interact closely with each other, subject to the same regulatory influences. This relationship is particularly close between the digestive and respiratory tract, and studies have shown that vaccination of the mucosa of one part increases the protective function of the mucosa of another part, and that virus infection leads to virus-specific concentrations of immunoglobulins in the secretion of the mucosa of another part. The impact on the intestinal microbiota can be a convenient tool to prevent not only gastrointestinal, but also respiratory diseases. In a number of works the clinical effects confirming expediency of probiotics application both at healthy, and at sick children are confirmed. An extremely important component of the local immune system is the antimicrobial peptides, which play a key role in the formation of the first line of defense against infections. AMP have a number of proven biological effects: antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects, and some have antitumor properties. Thus, the prospects for prevention and treatment of many infectious diseases lie in the new possibilities for influencing mucosal immunity.