The regulation of gut mucosal IgA B-cell responses: recent developments

IgA B Cell Responses to Gut Mucosal Antigens: Do We Know it all?

In this Research Topic of Frontiers in Mucosal Immunology we have focused on gut IgA B cell responses. We have invited world leading researchers in the field to contribute with articles that give the most recent up-date on our current understanding of this interesting and complex protective system. Because a majority of all human pathogens access the body via the mucosal membranes we need an ef...

Mucosal B Cell Deficiency in IgA

Development of the gut microbiota and mucosal IgA responses in twins and gnotobiotic mice

Immunoglobulin A (IgA), the major class of antibody secreted by the gut mucosa, is an important contributor to gut barrier function. The repertoire of IgA bound to gut bacteria reflects both T-cell-dependent and -independent pathways, plus glycans present on the antibody's secretory component. Human gut bacterial taxa targeted by IgA in the setting of barrier dysfunction are capable of producin...

DISEASE OF THE MONTH IgA Nephropathy: Recent Developments

IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (GN), is the most common GN in all parts of the world where renal biopsy is widely practiced. It is unique among glomerular diseases in being defined by immunohistochemical findings, i.e., mesangial deposition of IgA, rather than by light microscopy. Because the clinical features of IgAN were discussed in 1997 (1), we focus on...

Phytoestrogens: recent developments

Phytoestrogens are polyphenolic non-steroidal plant compounds with estrogen like activity exerted through estrogen receptors. These receptors are distributed in several tissues such as male and female reproductive systems, bones, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. These natural phenolic compounds include isoflavonoids, flavonoids, lignans and stilbenes. Isoflavonoids are the most studi...