Ulcerative colitis and autoimmunity induced by loss of myeloid alphav integrins.

ABSTRACT: The gastrointestinal tract is constantly challenged by foreign antigens and commensal bacteria but nonetheless is able to maintain a state of immunological quiescence. Recent advances have highlighted the importance of active suppression by regulatory lymphocytes and immunosuppressive cytokines in controlling mucosal immunity. Failures of these mechanisms contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease, but how these regulatory networks are established remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate key roles for alphav integrins in regulation of mucosal immunity. We report that deletion of alphav in the immune system causes severe colitis, autoimmunity, and cancer. Mice lacking immune cell alphav have fewer regulatory T (Treg) cells in the colon and corresponding increases in activated

SUBMITTER: Lacy-Hulbert A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1994135 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature