GALT: organization and dynamics leading to IgA synthesis

Abstract

Since its discovery more than four decades ago, immunoglobulin (Ig) A has been the subject of continuous and intensive studies. The major concepts derived were that the precursors of IgA plasma cells are generated in follicular organized structures with the help of T cells and the secreted IgAs provide protection against mucosal pathogens. However, only recently we began to appreciate that IgAs play key roles in regulation of bacterial communities in the intestine and that the repertoire of gut microbiota is closely linked to the proper functioning of the immune system. In this review, we highlight the complex and dynamic mutualistic relationships between bacteria and immune cells and discuss the sites and pathways leading to IgA synthesis in gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT).