Open AccessM‐cells: origin, morphology and role in mucosal immunity and microbial pathogenesis
Author(s) -
Corr Sinead C.,
Gahan Cormac C.G.M.,
Hill Colin
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2007.00359.x
Subject(s) - microfold cell , biology , immune system , immunology , gastrointestinal tract , pathogenesis , immunity , lymphatic system , antigen , mucosal immunity , mucosal immunology , intestinal mucosa , medicine , biochemistry
M‐cells are specialized cells found in the follicle‐associated epithelium of intestinal Peyer's patches of gut‐associated lymphoid tissue and in isolated lymphoid follicles, appendix and in mucosal‐associated lymphoid tissue sites outside the gastrointestinal tract. In the gastrointestinal tract, M‐cells play an important role in transport of antigen from the lumen of the small intestine to mucosal lymphoid tissues, where processing and initiation of immune responses occur. Thus, M‐cells act as gateways to the mucosal immune system and this function has been exploited by many invading pathogens. Understanding the mechanism by which M‐cells sample antigen will inform the design of oral vaccines with improved efficacy in priming mucosal and systemic immune responses. In this review, the origin and morphology of M‐cells, and their role in mucosal immunity and pathogenesis of infections are discussed.