Chronic infection

Chronic infections are persistent, long-lasting infections that can have significant impacts on human health. These infections are characterized by the ability of pathogens to evade the immune system and establish a prolonged presence in the host.

T reg cells produce Interleukin-10 (IL-10), a vital adaptation for maintaining immune balance during chronic infections. Interleukin-23 is responsible for causing inflammation in the intestines through both innate and T cell-mediated pathways.
Kullberg et al. 2002 J Exp Med 196: 505-515
Hue et al. 2006 J Exp Med 203: 2473-2483
Kullberg et al. 2006 J Exp Med 203: 2485-2494

Maladaptation in immune response can lead to colitis and is linked to early onset inflammatory bowel disease, often due to IL-10 pathway deficiencies. Glocker et al. 2009 N Engl J Med 361: 2033-2045

see also:
Colitis / Intestinal Inflammation & Helicobacter hepaticus
Colitis / Intestinal Inflammation & Interleukin-23 (IL-23)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) & Interleukin-10 (IL-10)
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) receptor