The Physiological Induction of Tolerance to Allergens

Abstract

The intestinal tract and lung represent large surface areas of the body in which there is continuous contact with an array of ingested or inhaled antigens and microorganisms. The induction of physiological tolerance to harmless antigens and commensal microorganisms is vital to avoid unwarranted excessive inflammation; yet, the ability to mount efficient inflammatory responses to pathogens remains important. This dynamic balance between tolerance to allergens and commensal microorganisms versus inflammatory responses to pathogens is coordinately regulated by innate and adaptive components of the mucosal immune system. Interactions among epithelial cells, antigen-presenting cells, and induced ..