M-CELL - THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE MUCOSAL IMMUNE-SYSTEM

Citation
C. Borghesi et al., M-CELL - THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE MUCOSAL IMMUNE-SYSTEM, FCI. Fundamental and clinical immunology, 4(3-4), 1996, pp. 87-93
Citations number
51
Categorie Soggetti
Immunology
ISSN journal
11229438
Volume
4
Issue
3-4
Year of publication
1996
Pages
87 - 93
Database
ISI
SICI code
1122-9438(1996)4:3-4<87:M-TMEO>2.0.ZU;2-G
Abstract
M cells are higly specialized cells within the follicle-associated epi thelium (FAE) of the respiratory and intestinal tracts. They play a ce ntral role in the induction of the mucosal immune response by transpor ting antigens to the lymphoid tissue. In this way the immune system ma y encounter the limitless variety of antigens that enter the body thro ugh the gut and airways. Here we describe the structure and the functi on of intestinal M cells. In addition, controversial issues relating t o the M cell biology, such as APC function and the origin of M cells w ithin the FAE, are discussed.