We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Mucosal Immunology?

By Marlene Garcia
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,539
References
Share

Mucosal immunology represents a branch of biomedicine that studies toxins entering the body through the respiratory, gastrointestinal, or reproductive tract. These cavities provide pathways where viruses, bacteria, or harmful pathogens enter the body from the outside environment. 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 mucus membranes trap foreign substances called antigens and send messages to lymph nodes to begin attacking these invaders. Scientists working in this branch of bioscience hope to discover new medicines and vaccines that improve the functioning of the immune system to fight illness and cure disease. They also research how these mucus membranes are breached by specific viruses, bacteria, or chemicals.

An example of the body’s mucosal immunology response occurs through coughing or sneezing, when tiny hairs called cilia trap antigens 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 beverages. Tears, urine, sweat, and vaginal secretions also are part of the mucosal immunology system.

The human body produces immune cells called lymphocytes in bone marrow to attack different types of antigens, with the highest concentration of lymphocytes found in mucus. When these cells mature, they enter the bloodstream, lymph nodes, and spleen. These lymphocytes trigger the secretion of antibodies to destroy antigens and protect mucous membranes as part of a complex defense system against illness.

Mucous membranes are rich in dendritic cells, which are innate immune cells that can distinguish between benign and harmful substances that enter the body. If a bacterium or virus invades, dendritic cells stimulate 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 that can activate a rapid response if the same foreign substance attacks the body again. Vaccines work by creating memory cells to protect against 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 looks at how antigens pass through mucus 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.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon288279 — On Aug 29, 2012

If a toxic gel is unknowingly used as a remedy for vaginal dryness, what can be the consequences?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-mucosal-immunology.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.