The immunologic role of tonsillar tissues in local cell-mediated immune responses†

THE ROLE OF SECRETORY IMMUNOGLOBULINS in local immunity to infectious agents has been extensively examined, l Although secretory antibodies of the IgA class have been shown to be important in the protection of mucosal surfaces against certain infectious agents, relatively little information is available concerning the role of local cell-mediated immunity in such areas. Recent evidence, derived from animal studies, suggests that respiratory tract CMI is relatively independent of systemic CMI. 25 Recently, Jurgensen and associates, 6 in studies of local cell-mediated immunity in the human being, reported a good correlation between CMI in circulating lymphocytes and in cells obtained by bronchial alveolar lavage. Furthermore, these workers have shown that local CMI was best st imulated