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T cells take the inside track

Nature Medicine volume 12, pages 614–615 (2006)Cite this article

Being in constant contact with the environment, the lung has evolved special mechanisms for resisting infections such as influenza. A newly discovered mechanism assures that influenza-specific T cells do not enter the general circulation. Instead, they recirculate between the draining lymph node and the respiratory mucosa—so remaining close to the site of infection.

Lung infections match cancer as a global cause of death and disproportionately affect the very young, the old and the poor1. Despite the importance of the lung, gut and genital tract as a site of invasion, we have much to learn about the immunology of mucosal defense. Most of our lymphocytes are mucosal, but most mainstream immunologists have tended to concentrate on lymphocytes in blood or lymphoid organs—until recently.

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Figure 1: T cells caught in the loop.

Katie Ris

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  1. Imperial College, Section of Respiratory Infections, Paddington Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, London, UK

    Peter Openshaw

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  1. Peter Openshaw
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Openshaw, P. T cells take the inside track. Nat Med 12, 614–615 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/nm0606-614

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nm0606-614

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