Epithelial Cells: Immunological Aspects

Abstract

Epithelial cells display their nature of integral, resident components of the innate immune system, and provide a valid defensive line against environmental threats through the expression of a plethora of active mediators, including antimicrobial peptides, cytokines, chemokines and cell membrane molecules. By contrast, epithelial cells can play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disorders (e.g. atopic dermatitis and psoriasis), where the amplification of the inflammatory reactions critically depends on the crosstalk between infiltrating leucocytes and epithelial cells.