Immune crosstalk between respiratory and intestinal mucosal tissues in respiratory infections

Abstract

Mucosal tissues, including those in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, are critical barrier surfaces for pathogen invasion. Infections at these sites not only trigger local immune response, but also recruit immune cells from other tissues. Emerging evidence in the mouse models and human samples indicates that the immune crosstalk between the lung and gut critically impacts and determines the course of respiratory disease. Here we summarize the current knowledge of the immune crosstalk between the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and discuss how immune cells are recruited and migrate between these tissues during respiratory infections. We also discuss how commensal bacteria contribute to these processes.