Abstract
1- Introduction
2- Summary
References
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) are tubular polymers of tubulin that are highly dynamic and found throughout the cytoplasm. MTs are involved in maintaining cell structure and, together with microfilaments and intermediate filaments, form the cytoskeleton. Recent findings on MT structure and function contributed to the understanding of their potential role as players in the innate and adaptive immune systems. Additionally, studies suggest an essential role for these cellular structures in the gut. Here, we review recent data on interactions between MT and various arms of the immune system and propose a model that represents gut MTs as potential targets for immunotherapy, and specifically for oral immunotherapy.
Introduction
Many current immune-based therapeutic methods target lymphocytes or alter the secretion of mediators (e.g., cytokines) from immune cells. Recent findings on microtubule (MT) structure and function contribute to the understanding of their potential roles as players in the innate and adaptive immune systems (Ilan, 2019). Additionally, studies suggest a potential role for these cellular structures in the gut. This review summarizes data regarding the role of MT in the immune system and suggests a model in which they can serve as potential novel targets for immunotherapy and specifically for gut-immune-system-based oral immunotherapy.