Figure 1. A multi-faceted role for LVs in gut homeostasis. The enterocyte brush border produces IAP-enriched LVs, which are found both in the gut lumen and trapped in the mucus layer. As a result, LVs are well positioned to: 1) detoxify soluble bacterial LPS using IAP catalytic activity, 2) bind lumenal bacteria to facilitate clearance and to prevent potential pathogens from adhering to the epithelial surface, and 3) help regulate microbial populations by exerting a bactericidal effect.