Human beta defensin-1 is involved in the susceptibility to adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy

Innate immunity molecules are known to play a pivotal role in the homeostasis of the oral mucosa, permitting the presence of commensal microflora and, at the same time, providing a first line of defense against pathogens attempting to invade the oral cavity.Tonsils represent the local immune tissue in oral cavity, being able to provide a non-specific response to pathogens; however, in the presence of microbes or foreign materials present in the mouth tonsils could became infected and develop chronic inflammation, thus leading to hypertrophy.
Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology - Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Source Type: research