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Absorption and presentation of antigens by epithelial cells of the small intestine: Hypotheses and predictions relating to the pathogenesis of coeliac disease
Author(s) -
MAYRHOFER GRAHAM
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
immunology and cell biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.999
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1440-1711
pISSN - 0818-9641
DOI - 10.1038/icb.1995.67
Subject(s) - antigen , lamina propria , antigen presentation , pathogenesis , immunology , antigen processing , biology , coeliac disease , immune system , antigen presenting cell , t cell , disease , medicine , epithelium , pathology , genetics
Summary Effects of the route of antigen absorption and presentation in the small intestine are discussed in relation to outcomes from antigen exposure. It is proposed that antigens presented by epithelial cells to intrinsic T cell populations in the mucosa induce anti‐inflammatory immune responses, while antigens presented to conventional T cells by lamina propria APC predisposes to inflammation. The pathogenesis of coeliac disease is attributed to three factors: a defect in antigen processing by epithelial cells; the intrinsic properties of the gliadins; and the HLA‐D haplotype of the individual. It is suggested that MHC class II molecules play a role in antigen uptake by enterocytes, in addition to their function in antigen presentation to T cells.