An immunomodulatory molecule of symbiotic bacteria directs maturation of the host immune system

Article Abstract:

An attempt is made to show that during colonization of animals with the ubiquitous gut microorganism Bacteroides fragilis, a bacterial polysaccharide (PSA) directs the cellular and physical maturation of the developing immune system. The findings provide a molecular basis for host bacterial symbiosis and reveal the archetypal molecule of commensal bacteria that mediates development of the host immune system.

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Polysaccharide processing and presentation by the MHCII pathway

Article Abstract:

The MHCII endocytic pathway utilized by ZPS antigens to activate T cells is studied. A MHCII Pathway Model is presented to illustrate the mechanisms by which some carbohydrates induce important immunologic responses through T cell activation, suggesting a fundamental shift in the MHCII presentation paradigm.

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Bacterial glycans: Key mediators of diverse host immune responses

Article Abstract:

The ability of bacteria to synthesize polysaccharides helps induce immune responses that benefit the bacterium, the host or both. The varied interactions between bacterial glycans and the host immune system are discussed.

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