Table II.
Characteristics of intestinal mucosal cells
| Cell type | Function | Specific products |
|---|---|---|
| Dendritic cells | Antigen absorption from the intestinal lumen and mucosal lamina propria. Antigen-presenting cell. Cell maturation after contact with antigen and migration to lymph nodes and spleen | IL-12, IFN-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15 |
| Paneth cells | Innate, non-specific immunity. Substance synthesis that coats and disables pathogens and diet antigens. Impact on the maintenance of intestinal microbiota. Stem cell protection | α-Defensin-5 HD5 and HD6, secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) |
| Stem cells | Differentiate into intestinal epithelial cells | |
| M (microfold) cells | Macromolecules transcytosis (pathogens, commensal microorganisms, and antigens) from intestinal lumen to submucosa | |
| Enteroendocrine cells | Hormones synthesis and secretion | 5-HT, somatostatin, peptide YY, GLP-1, glicentine, oxyntomoduline, glucose-dependent insulinotropic hormone (GIP) |
| Goblet cells | Innate immunity component. Secreted mucus is the first line of defence against pathogens | Mucin 2, trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) and resistin-like molecule β (Relmβ) |
| Enterocytes | Nutrients absorption. Induction of immune tolerance of protein intake. Induction of oral tolerance contributes to the formation of the microenvironment. Maintaining balance between antigen tolerance and inflammation | |
| B Cells | Antigen-presenting cell via Toll-like receptor, homing to lymph nodes and conversion to plasmocytes, which return intestinal mucosa and produce antibodies | IgA, IgM |
| Macrophages | The first phagocytic cells of innate immunity that microorganisms come into contact with after passing through the intestinal epithelium. Phagocytosis, bactericidal, and bacteriostatic properties without inducing an inflammatory reaction | IL-10, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen intermediates, cathepsins and metalloproteases |