[PDF][PDF] Microbiota and autoimmune disease: the hosted self

D Mathis, C Benoist - Cell Host & Microbe, 2011 - cell.com
D Mathis, C Benoist
Cell Host & Microbe, 2011cell.com
The trillions of microbial symbionts normally hosted by mammals have important influences
on the development and function of the immune system. We highlight recently discovered
cellular and molecular mechanisms by which they impact autoimmune diseases—in
particular, gut-distal disorders. Besides provoking a reconsideration of the definition of
immunological" self" and" nonself," these new findings evoke exciting possibilities for the
discovery of a whole new class of immunomodulatory molecules.
Summary
The trillions of microbial symbionts normally hosted by mammals have important influences on the development and function of the immune system. We highlight recently discovered cellular and molecular mechanisms by which they impact autoimmune diseasesin particular, gut-distal disorders. Besides provoking a reconsideration of the definition of immunological "self" and "nonself," these new findings evoke exciting possibilities for the discovery of a whole new class of immunomodulatory molecules.
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