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Abstract

Mucosal immunomodulation represents a vital facet of the immune system’s ability to maintain a delicate balance between protective responses and tolerance within mucosal tissues. The mucosal surfaces, including those of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital tracts, serve as primary points of contact with a vast array of potential antigens, from commensal microorganisms to dietary components and pathogens. As such, they necessitate a finely tuned immune system that can discriminate between friend and foe, launching defensive actions against threats while preventing detrimental responses to harmless stimuli. This review explores the intricate mechanisms and key players involved in mucosal immunomodulation. It delves into the specialized immune cells and molecules that orchestrate these processes, such as regulatory T cells, secretory IgA antibodies, and cytokines. Emphasis is placed on the role of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and other mucosal lymphoid structures in orchestrating immune responses. Furthermore, the paper discusses the clinical implications of mucosal immunomodulation. It examines the potential for harnessing these mechanisms in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases, allergies, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Additionally, it considers the application of mucosal immunomodulation in vaccine design and the prevention of mucosal infections.