mucosal immunity

immunity that involves IgA antibodies located in the mucous membranes at the openings of the body (e.g., the genital tract). This type of immune defense repels invaders at their point of entry.

Nonsusceptibility to the pathogenic effects of foreign microorganisms or antigenic substances as a result of antibody secretions of the mucous membranes. Mucosal epithelia in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive tracts produce a form of IgA (IGA, Secretory) that serves to protect these ports of entry into the body