PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - C. Pilette
AU  - Y. Ouadrhiri
AU  - V. Godding
AU  - J-P. Vaerman
AU  - Y. Sibille
TI  - Lung mucosal immunity: immunoglobulin-A revisited
AID  - 10.1183/09031936.01.00228801
DP  - 2001 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - 571--588
VI  - 18
IP  - 3
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/18/3/571.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/18/3/571.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2001 Sep 01; 18
AB  - Mucosal defence mechanisms are critical in preventing colonization of the respiratory tract by pathogens and penetration of antigens through the epithelial barrier. Recent research has now illustrated the active contribution of the respiratory epithelium to the exclusion of microbes and particles, but also to the control of the inflammatory and immune responses in the airways and in the alveoli. Epithelial cells also mediate the active transport of polymeric immunoglobulin-A from the lamina propria to the airway lumen through the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor. The role of IgA in the defence of mucosal surfaces has now expanded from a limited role of scavenger of exogenous material to a broader protective function with potential applications in immunotherapy. In addition, the recent identification of receptors for IgA on the surface of blood leukocytes and alveolar macrophages provides an additional mechanism of interaction between the cellular and humoral immune systems at the level of the respiratory tract.C. Pilette is currently Aspirant of the Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique (Belgium) and Y. Ouadrhiri is supported by the Fondation Lancardis (Switzerland).