RESPIRATORY-TRACT CELL-MEDIATED-IMMUNITY

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 13  (1) , 95-102
Abstract
Cell mediated immunity in the respiratory tract, operating somewhat independently of systemic cell mediated immunity (CMI), was only recently recognized. Local CMI is more consistently and more potently stimulated following local administration of immunogen. In the studies that were done relative to protection, local immunization resulted in greater resistance to organisms usually considered protected against by CMI. Like the humoral immune system, CMI appears to operate locally in the respiratory tract, at least partially independent of systemic CMI. This paper reviews evidence relative to local CMI, and discusses the role of the pulmonary macrophage, the mechanisms of local CMI and evidence for the presence of T[thymus-derived]-cell memory in the respiratory tract.

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