Abstract
The spleen combines the innate and adaptive immune system in a uniquely organized way. The structure of the spleen enables it to remove older erythrocytes from the circulation and leads to the efficient removal of blood-borne microorganisms and cellular debris. This function, in combination with a highly organized lymphoid compartment, makes the spleen the most important organ for antibacterial and antifungal immune reactivity. A better understanding of the function of this complex organ has been gained from recent studies, as outlined in this Review article.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 606-616 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Nature Reviews Immunology |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2005 |
Keywords
- Animals
- Humans
- Immunity, Active
- Immunity, Innate
- Spleen/anatomy & histology