Modulating the intestinal immune system: the role of lymphotoxin and GALT organs

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Abstract
Intestinal mucosal surfaces are exposed to alimentary and bacterial antigens of the intestinal flora. The physiological immune response towards intestinal antigens is non-harmful to the entire organism and includes induction of systemic immune tolerance and IgA secretion. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with activation of the local intestinal and systemic immune responses. In various animal models of IBD, uncontrolled immune responses following intestinal injury result in mucosal insult. Colitis is associated with loss of tolerance against intestinal antigens, which also contributes to perpetuation of local and systemic inflammatory immune responses. Characterisation of intestinal inflammatory cytokine pathways has provided valuable tools to modulate the activity of IBD.