Mucosal immunity was the first immune system to evolve in vertebrates, and it is the most important first line of defense. The vast area of the mucous membrane becomes an important part of the body that comes into contact with antigens. When an external pathogen penetrates the mucous layer and invades the body system, the body naturally needs a mechanism to fight against it, so as to prevent the pathogen from replicating in large quantities in the body, which may cause a danger to life. Therefore, we consider that prevention of viral invasion must start with mucosal immunity. Microorganisms populate our environment, with mucous membranes covering the digestive tract from mouth to anus, the respiratory tract from nose to lungs, and the urinary tract. With such a wide range, we have no way of knowing where the foreign microorganisms are going when we are confronted with them, making it impossible for us to avoid infections. Fortunately, the mucosal system has its own defense mechanism. The mucus secretes lysozyme and IgA (S-IgA) to fight against microorganisms. IgA is several times more potent than IgG, and IgA can circulate in the bloodstream of the body to neutralize the virus. In addition, with the swinging of the mucous membrane’s cilia, humans and animals can expel foreign microorganisms from the body through sneezing, coughing, and gastrointestinal peristalsis.
M-cells exist between the epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa, and there are many B-cells and T-cells under the M-cells. Most of the B-cells and T-cells are found in the intestinal tract, which is why it is said that the intestinal tract is the largest mucosal immune organ. In response to the variability of current viruses, vaccines have lost their targeting ability, resulting in the continuous spread of viruses, and IgA, produced by mucosal immunity, will be the main force in the fight against viruses in the next century. Mucosal immunity is a major breakthrough for us in terms of sustainability in prevention, which is why our company continues to promote this new thinking and concept to the world.