Induction and maintenance of allergen-specific FOXP31 Treg cells in human tonsils as potential first-line organs of oral tolerance

Abstract

Background: Tonsils are strategically located in the gateway of both alimentary and respiratory tracts representing the first contact point of food and aeroallergens with the immune system. Tonsillectomy removes only the palatine tonsils and sometimes adenoids. Lingual tonsil is anatomically big and remains lifelong intact.