The Cellular Basis of Immunity

Abstract

Once invading organisms or other antigenic materials have passed or have been introduced beyond the epithelial or mechani cal barriers, their localization and disposal is a part of local (local inflammation) and general defense reactions. The main functional roles of the cells involved in these reactions are (a) to remove foreign material by extra-or intracellular digestion (phagocytosis) or to isolate it by a connective tissue wall (encapsulation); (b) to perform various reparative processes; and (c) to produce specific antibodies. With the exception of that part of repair which involves the parenchyma, the cells involved belong almost exclusively to the connective tissue, especially to the blood and lymph, to the reticular and loose connective tissues, and to the lamina propria and interstitial connective tissues of various organs including the brain. The cells are important to varying degrees in immunity be cause (a) they are ubiquitous in distribution or are easily mobilized via the blood stream; (b) they are phagocytic and/or possess potent digestive enzymes; and (c) they form a mesenchymal reserve in the postnatal vertebrate by retaining varying degrees of their embryonic power to develop into other cells of the connective tissue. These cells have other functions. As a whole, they take part in such diverse processes as intermediate metabolism, storage and mechanical support. A review of the functions of the reticulo endothelial system is given by Jaffe (1) and of the leucocytes by Rebuck (2) The present review stresses work of immediate interest to immunologists. It also outlines briefly the cells involved and their interrelationships because both subjects are fundamental to an understanding of the cellular aspects of immunity. The coverage, as a result, although largely limited to the last 10 years, has been selective, particularly as regards the latter aim, and includes some older work for purposes of orientation. CONNECTIVE TISSUE CELLS INVOLVED IN IMMUNITYThe cells involved in immunity are listed in Table I together with the systems into which they have been incorporated (d. 3) 159 Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 1949.3:159-194. Downloaded from www.annualreviews.org Access provided by University of California -San Diego on 02/03/15. For personal use only. Quick links to online content Further ANNUAL REVIEWS

The Effect of Cortisone and Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone on the Concentration of Circulating Antibody

“…The literature contains many conflicting discussions about the interrelationships of antibody formation, the reticulo-endothelial system, lymphoid tissue, and the adrenal cortex (13,14). With immunization, several morphological changes are known to occur, most of which were observed in this study.…”

Immunological Aspects of Rheumatoid Disease: A Review

“…Dixon, Weigle, and Roberts (1957), for example, have shown that transfer of suspensions of lymph node cells from immune animals to irradiated recipients can give rise in the latter to secondary responses of serum antibody. The relationship between macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells developmentally and histologically is still a matter for dispute; but at present it seems justifiable to adopt the view of Burnet (1959), based on the suggestions of Taliaferro (1949), that mesenchymal cells with the inherent power of globulin production may, under appropriate conditions, take the form of stem cell, macrophage, lymphocyte, or plasma cell.…”

Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Resistance and Infection

“…These conclusions are based on careful histological ob servations and have been partially supported by Farr (43) using diamino acridine dye tracers. Others [44; and reviews by Rebuck (45); Taliaferro (46); and Yoffey (47) ] have described the importance of these cell trans formations in immunity. Against this view of the activities of the lympho cyte may be the failure of lymphocyte transfusions in the irradiated rat (48) or of spleen-shielding during irradiation of the rabbit (49) to increase sur vival rate or hasten recovery of the granulocytes.…”