Figure 5.

Role of CX₃CR1 expressing immune cells in the gut. Lamina propria macrophages and DC subsets are major CX₃CR1 expressing immune cells in the intestine. CX₃CR1⁺ macrophages can extend trans-epithelial dendrites to capture antigens in the intestinal lumen. These captured antigens can be ingested and directly or indirectly presented to T cells. CX₃CR1⁺ macrophages can maintain immune homeostasis in the intestine. CD4⁺ Tregs are expanded to maintain immune tolerance through IL-10 secreted by CX₃CR1⁺ macrophages. CX₃CR1⁺ macrophages can also prime naive CD8⁺ T cell via cross-presentation. CX₃CR1⁺ macrophages can stimulate ILC3s to secret IL-22 for sustained barrier function and tissue healing. CX₃CR1⁺ macrophages can induce microbiota specific Th17 cells in the gut.

Treg, regulatory T cell; ILC, innate lymphoid cell.