The mucosal immune system: from control of inflammation to protection against infections.

The IV meeting of the European Mucosal Immunology Group, held October 8-10, 2004, in Lyon, gathered fundamental and clinical research scientists to discuss the most recent updates on basic and clinical aspects of mucosal immunology. The meeting was focused on innate and acquired immune mechanisms underlying handling and immune recognition of commensals, allergens, and pathogens by the mucosal immune system and its outcome in health and disease as well as for vaccine development. The scientific program featured five topics of growing interest for fundamental research scientists and clinicians, including the role of commensal bacteria in mucosal immunity; function of dendritic cells in infection, inflammation, and tolerance; control of mucosal inflammation by regulatory T cells; novel routes and adjuvants for mucosal vaccines; and mucosal immunity against HIV infection and vaccination strategies.