Friend or foe: The protective and pathological roles of inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue in pulmonary diseases

Nancy D. Marin, Micah D. Dunlap, Deepak Kaushal, Shabaana A. Khader

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT) is a tertiary lymphoid structure that resembles secondary lymphoid organs. iBALT is induced in the lung in response to Ag exposure. In some cases, such as infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the formation of iBALT structure is indicative of an effective protective immune response. However, with persistent exposure to Ags during chronic inflammation, allergy, or autoimmune diseases, iBALT may be associated with exacerbation of inflammation. iBALT is characterized by well-organized T and B areas enmeshed with conventional dendritic cells, follicular dendritic cells, and stromal cells, usually located surrounding airways or blood vessels. Several of the molecular signals and cellular contributors that mediate formation of iBALT structures have been recently identified. This review will outline the recent findings associated with the formation and maintenance of iBALT and their contributions toward a protective or pathogenic function in pulmonary disease outcome.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2519-2526
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume202
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2019

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Friend or foe: The protective and pathological roles of inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue in pulmonary diseases'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this