LOCAL IMMUNITY OF THE ORAL MUCOSA IN CORONAVIRUS INFECTION

Abstract

A powerful factor of local protection is the secretory IgA contained in saliva. Non-specific immunity of the oral mucosa is provided by cellular elements-neutrophils and macrophages, as well as secretory elements — a variety of chemotaxis factors for inflammatory agents (interleukins, leukotrienes, etc.). Specific immunity is provided by lymphoid tissue, which is contained in a significant amount around the oral cavity — in the form of diffuse infiltration or in the form of nodular clusters devoid of a closed connective tissue case. The cells that provide specific immunity are T-lymphocytes and plasmocytes. In most cases, non-specific and specific immune defense factors neutralize bacteria and viruses. However, often microorganisms overcome these barriers, penetrate into the internal environment of the body and cause disease. This is facilitated by the weakening of local immunity, in particular against the background of coronavirus infection.