Most infectious agents enter the body at mucosal surfaces and therefore mucosal immune
responses function as a first line of defence. Protective mucosal immune responses are most …

IgA class switching is the process whereby B cells acquire the expression of IgA, the most
abundant antibody isotype in mucosal secretions. IgA class switching occurs via both T-cell …

Mucosal epithelia comprise an extensive vulnerable barrier which is reinforced by numerous
innate defence mechanisms cooperating intimately with adaptive immunity. Local …

Antigen-specific T cell immunity is HLA-restricted. Human immunodeficiency virus–type 1
(HIV-1) mutations that allow escape from host immune responses may therefore be HLA …

Conclusions A causal link between HIV-l transmission and classic STDs has been
demonstrated. 22'3'How can we use these data to plan HIV-l prevention? Mathematical …

Lactating mammary glands are part of an integrated mucosal immune system with local
production of antibodies, mainly consisting of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA). These …

The immune system of the human newborn is of very limited size. It expands rapidly,
especially due to the exposure to the gut microflora. Normally the newborn is colonized with …

The mucosae and exocrine glands harbour the largest activated B‐cell system of the body,
amounting to some 80–90% of all immunoglobulins (Ig)‐producing cells. The major product …

Many people who remain persistently seronegative despite frequent HIV exposure have HIV-
specific immune responses. The study of these may provide information about mechanisms …

Understanding how individuals with a high degree of HIV exposure avoid persistent
infection is paramount to HIV vaccine design. Evidence suggests that mucosal immunity …