Antimicrobial Aspects of Inflammatory Resolution in the Mucosa: A Role for Proresolving Mediators

Mucosal surfaces function as selectively permeable barriers between the host and the outside world. Given their close proximity to microbial Ags, mucosal surfaces have evolved sophisticated mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis and preventing excessive acute inflammatory reactions. The role attributed to epithelial cells was historically limited to serving as a selective barrier; in recent years, numerous findings implicate an active role of the epithelium with proresolving mediators in the maintenance of immunological equilibrium. In this brief review, we highlight new evidence that the epithelium actively contributes to coordination and resolution of inflammation, principally through the generation of anti-inflammatory and proresolution lipid mediators. These autacoids, derived from omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, are implicated in the initiation, progression, and resolution of acute inflammation and display specific, epithelial-directed actions focused on mucosal homeostasis. We also summarize present knowledge of mechanisms for resolution via regulation of epithelial-derived antimicrobial peptides in response to proresolving lipid mediators. The Journal of Immunology, 2011, 187: 3475-3481.