Pediatria pre prax 4/2007

MUCOSAL IMMUNITY IN CHILDREN – OPPORTUNITIES OF IMMUNOMODULATION AND ALLERGIC DISEASES

Mucosal immune system is the greatest part of human immune system. Mucosal immune system actively participates in development and course of allergic diseases by its immunoregulation function. In recent years, the prevalence of allergies increased markedly. It has been likely linked to wide-spread vaccination, improvement of hygienic standards and frequently usage of antibiotics. All these factors result in reduce enviromental antigen stimuli and dysregulation in T subpopulations. Mucosal immune system contributes to development of allergic diseases by the lack production of allergen specific T regulatory cells and/or lack microbial stimulation leading to a shift towards Th1 immune response. Immunomodulation of intestinal microflora by microbial products – bacterial extracts and probiotics is able to modulate mucosal immune system and can establish immunological tolerance or reduce symptoms of allergies.

Keywords: mucosal immunity, T regulatory cells, immunomodulation, allergic diseases.