Does a quorum sensing mechanism direct the behavior of immune cells?

作者：Perie Leila^*; Aru Juhan; Kourilsky Philippe; Slotine Jean Jacques

来源：Comptes Rendus Biologies, 2013, 336(1): 13-16.

DOI：10.1016/j.crvi.2013.01.006

• Quorum sensing
• Immune response
• Collective behavior
• Cytokines
• Robustness

Quorum sensing is a decision-making process used by decentralized groups such as colonies of bacteria to trigger a coordinated behavior. The existence of decentralized coordinated behavior has also been suggested in the immune system. In this paper, we explore the possibility for quorum sensing mechanisms in the immune response. Cytokines are good candidates as inducer of quorum sensing effects on migration, proliferation and differentiation of immune cells. The existence of a quorum sensing mechanism should be explored experimentally. It may provide new perspectives into immune responses and could lead to new therapeutic strategies.

• 出版日期2013-1