Induction of Hypergammaglobulinemia and Autoantibodies by Infection in MyD88-Deficient Mice.

Growing evidence indicates a link between persistent infections and the development of autoimmune diseases. For instance, the inability to control infection due to defective toll-like receptor (TLR)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) signaling has linked the development of persistent infections to a breakdown in B cell tolerance. However, the extent of immune dysregulation in the absence of TLR-MyD88 signaling remains poorly characterized.

Cholinergic Activation Enhances Resistance to Oral Infection by Modulating Innate Immune Defense Mechanisms at the Intestinal Barrier.

Inflammation is a crucial defense mechanism that protects the body from the devastating effects of invading pathogens. However, an unrestrained inflammatory reaction may result in systemic manifestations with dire consequences to the host. The extent of activation of the inflammatory response is tightly regulated through immunological and neural pathways.