Guiding the action of the immune system: Interactions between the immune system and non-immune tissues: NVVI-Dutch society for Immunology Course, Lunteren, March 31st-April 1st, 2010.

摘要

For optimal functioning of the immune system, immune cells have to interact closely with non-immune cells, including stromal cells, fibroblasts, epithelial cells and endothelial cells. These interactions already play an important role during the development of immune cells, they dictate migration of immune cells - a crucial step in the initiation of the immune response - and may influence immunological memory. Next to beneficial responses inflammation is also influenced by interactions with non-immune cells which provide a basis for ongoing inflammation, allergy and graft rejections.In April of 2010, the Dutch society for immunology organized its yearly course in Lunteren, this time addressing the role of non-immune cells in guiding the cells of the immune system (Fig. 1). The extended abstracts of this annual course are published in this special issue of Immunology Letters.