Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:08:29 BST CiteULike: AlfonsoVicenteSuarezs Mowat http://www.citeulike.org/user/AlfonsoVicenteSuarez/author/Mowat CiteULike.org en-gb Copyright © 2004-2008 citeulike.org http://www.citeulike.org/user/AlfonsoVicenteSuarez/article/2319930 <i>Nat Rev Immunol, Vol. 3, No. 4. (April 2003), pp. 331-341.</i><br /><br />The intestinal immune system has to discriminate between harmful and beneficial antigens. Although strong protective immunity is essential to prevent invasion by pathogens, equivalent responses against dietary proteins or commensal bacteria can lead to chronic disease. These responses are normally prevented by a complex interplay of regulatory mechanisms. This article reviews the unique aspects of the local microenvironment of the intestinal immune system and discuss how these promote the development of regulatory responses that ensure the maintenance of homeostasis in the gut. Anatomical basis of tolerance and immunity to intestinal antigens. AM Mowat doi:10.1038/nri1057 Nat Rev Immunol, Vol. 3, No. 4. (April 2003), pp. 331-341. 2008-02-01T16:13:07-00:00 2003 Nat Rev Immunol 1474-1733 3 4 331 341 anatomy-immune