[CITATION][C] Responses to self and non-self intestinal microflora in health and inflammatory bowel disease
R Duchmann, MF Neurath… - Research in …, 1997 - Elsevier
The number of bacteria within the normal intestinal flora has been estimated to be 1013, ie,
10 times more than the estimated number of total body cells. Antigens from the normal
intestinal flora therefore constitute a quantitatively important form of “beneficial” antigen
present along the entire intestinal canal. Although these antigens do not constitute self
antigens in the proper sense, it is obvious that immunizing immune responses to these
permanent antigens would result in chronic inflammation. As a consequence, antigens from …
10 times more than the estimated number of total body cells. Antigens from the normal
intestinal flora therefore constitute a quantitatively important form of “beneficial” antigen
present along the entire intestinal canal. Although these antigens do not constitute self
antigens in the proper sense, it is obvious that immunizing immune responses to these
permanent antigens would result in chronic inflammation. As a consequence, antigens from …