NIAID MEDIA AVAILABILITY : Scientists Identify New Role for Lung Epithelial Cells in Sensing Allergens in the Air

Many antigens that foreign substances can cause an immune response are inhaled every day. Lungs have mechanisms that inhibit offensive immune responses to these antigens. However, this immune response can often be made allergic responses or asthma. Researchers have identified a new role for certain lung cells in the immune response to airborne allergens. Researchers found out Toll-like receptors (TSRs). TLRs are special sensors which dot the surface of epithelial cells that line the lungs. TLRs can catch the presence of antigens and produce activated signals of immune cells. The scientists have not identified whether TLRs were on immune cells or on non-immune cells. However, the researchers discovered that TLRs are on airway epithelial cells, and helped induce the initial immune response to antigens in the lungs. TLRs are not on immune cells. TLRs have an important function in the airway epithelial cells that decrease the development allergic disease. The new TLRs on non-immune cells in the lungs can contribute to the immune response to airborne antigens and can use treatments for allergic diseases.


http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2009/allergens_TLR4.htm.htm