by International Society for Stem Cell Research – MedicalXpress –
When thinking about the immune system, most people think about B and T cells and how they can be trained to recognize pathogens, preventing re-infections. Besides this adaptive immune system, we also have an innate immune system which acts as first line defense against e.g. bacteria and viruses.
The textbook view is that the innate immune system is non-specific so that it’s response always follows the same pattern, even for recurring infections. However, research published today in Stem Cell Reports provides evidence that brief exposure to certain danger signals can prime the body’s innate immune system into a long-term hyperreactive and inflammatory state termed trained innate immunity.
