Intestinal Antigen-Presenting Cells: Key Regulators of Immune Homeostasis and Inflammation.

Intestinal Antigen-Presenting Cells: Key Regulators of Immune Homeostasis and Inflammation.
Am J Pathol. 2015 May 11;
Authors: Flannigan KL, Geem D, Harusato A, Denning TL
Abstract
The microbiota that populate the mammalian intestine are critical for proper host physiology, yet simultaneously pose a potential danger. Intestinal antigen-presenting cells, namely macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), are integral components of the mucosal innate immune system that maintain co-existence with the microbiota in face of this constant threat. Intestinal macrophages and DCs integrate signals from the microenvironment to orchestrate innate and adaptive immune responses that ultimately lead to durable tolerance of the microbiota. Tolerance is not a default response, however, because macrophages and DCs remain poised to vigorously respond to pathogens that breach the epithelial barrier. In this review, we summarize the salient features of macrophages and DCs in the healthy and inflamed intestine and discuss how signals from the microbiota can influence their function.
PMID: 25976247 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: The American Journal of Pathology - May 11, 2015 Category: Pathology Authors: Flannigan KL, Geem D, Harusato A, Denning TL Tags: Am J Pathol Source Type: research