Intestinal and systemic immune signaling pathways

Intestinal and systemic immune signaling pathways refer to the integrated network of biochemical signals that coordinate immune responses within the gastrointestinal tract and throughout the body (Mowat & Agace, 2014, Nature Reviews Immunology). This system involves a diverse array of molecular components, including pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), cytokines, and intracellular signaling transducers like Janus kinases (JAKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) (Neurath, 2014, Nature Reviews Immunology). These pathways are essential for maintaining the intestinal barrier and distinguishing between commensal microbes and pathogens (Belkaid & Hand, 2014, Cell). Dysregulation of these pathways is central to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as systemic conditions like sepsis and certain autoimmune disorders (Abraham & Medzhitov, 2011, Nature). While specific proteins within these pathways are major focuses of drug development, the pathways themselves constitute a broad physiological category rather than a single, specific therapeutic target. Therapeutic intervention typically involves targeting specific nodes within these pathways, such as TNF-alpha or IL-12/23, to restore immune balance without compromising systemic host defense (Danese et al., 2015, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery).

Other names

Gut-immune axisIntestinal-systemic immune crosstalkMucosal immune signaling pathways

Not applicable as this is a broad biological process rather than a single molecular target.