Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue: a review of its development and function, including recent findings on the impact of environmental particulate exposure.

ABSTRACT: Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) influences the mucosal immune system, specifically lung immunity. In many animal species, BALT is found in normal lung tissue, whereas in others, including humans, it is rarely present under normal conditions but it develops after exposure to atmospheric pollutants or allergens, during viral or bacterial infections, or autoimmune diseases, known as inducible BALT (iBALT). The morphology and function of BALT depend on exposure to specific antigen types; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we review available data, including our recent research, on BALT development and function, with the aim of promoting studies on the immune system. In this review, we first present our recent findings from experiments using mice on the induction o

SUBMITTER: Mikami Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12628476 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature