Mechanisms of Local Immunity of The Oral Mucosa in Coronavirus Infection

Abstract

Non-specific immunity of the oral mucosa is provided by cellular elements-neutrophils and macrophages, as well as secretory elements-various chemotaxis factors for inflammatory agents (interleukins, leukotrienes, etc.). Specific immunity is provided by lymphoid tissue contained in a significant amount around the oral cavity — in the form of diffuse infiltration or in the form of nodular clusters devoid of a closed connective tissue case. The cells that provide specific immunity are T-lymphocytes and plasmocytes. In most cases, non-specific and specific immune protective factors neutralize bacteria and viruses. However, often microorganisms overcome these barriers, penetrate into the internal environment of the body and cause disease. This is facilitated by the weakening of local immunity, in particular against the background of coronavirus infection. Moreover, the oral mucosa is very intensively supplied with blood, has a relatively large surface and is a convenient entrance gate for the penetration of infections into the body, and also serves as a place of colonization and infection with potentially pathogenic microorganisms in case of weakening of natural immunity. Inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa can manifest themselves by various nosological processes of the oral cavity, but sometimes even against the background of pronounced inflammatory processes, stomatitis, gingivitis and many other diseases do not form, often this is due to systemic viral processes, for example, coronavirus infection. At the same time, clinical symptoms can be very diverse, or even absent even against the background of changes in the immune and microbial landscape of the oral cavity. With the progression of the disease, the process may spread to the palate, gums, palatine tonsils, larynx, and digestive tract. It is important to distinguish weakened individuals, individuals with immunodeficiency conditions who were on long-term use of antibacterial agents, corticosteroids and antineoplastic drugs.