Publisher's Synopsis
Mucosal tissues of various organs show similar defence mechanisms against environmental pathogens, but also organ-specific variations. This book compares similarities and differences of mechanisms by which immunological processes may affect mucous membranes. The first part of the book introduces antigen handling of mucosal membranes, like antigen uptake and presentation, description of the Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) and its afferent and efferent pathways, and also the formation of IgA, the typical mucosal immunoglobuline. The second part deals with the lacrimal gland and the conjunctiva, now recognized as part of the MALT system. In the third part, various forms of tolerance induction are compared. This comparison includes presentation of work in experimental autoimmune uveitis, experimental autoimmune encephalitis and experimental rheumatitis, and also an update on ongoing clinical studies. Finally, such future therapeutic ideas as recombinant vaccines are presented.
