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Application of a Mouse Ligated Peyer’s Patch Intestinal Loop Assay to Evaluate Bacterial Uptake by M cells
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The composition and function of M cell apical membranes: implications for microbial pathogenesis

M R Neutra1, N J Mantis, A Frey

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School and GI Cell Biology Laboratory, Enders 1220, Children'sHospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Seminars in Immunology
|June 26, 1999
PubMed

Insights

M cells transport foreign materials from the gut lumen to lymphoid tissues. Their apical membranes are key for immune sampling, and understanding their molecular features helps reveal pathogen strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • M cells are specialized epithelial cells found over organized mucosal lymphoid follicles in the intestine.
  • These cells play a critical role in immune surveillance by transporting luminal antigens to underlying lymphoid tissues.
  • Understanding M cell function is vital for comprehending gut immunity and host-pathogen interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of M cells in antigen sampling and transport.
  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying antigen adherence and uptake by intestinal M cells.
  • To identify how pathogens exploit M cell pathways for invasion.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of M cell apical membrane characteristics.
  • Investigation of antigen and microorganism adherence and transport processes.
  • Study of molecular features facilitating M cell-mediated sampling.

Main Results:

  • M cells possess apical membranes specifically adapted for antigen and microorganism adherence and uptake.
  • These specialized surfaces are essential for the immunological sampling function of M cells.
  • Pathogens utilize these M cell apical surface features to gain entry into the host.

Conclusions:

  • Intestinal M cells are crucial gateways for immune sampling from the gut lumen.
  • The molecular properties of M cell apical surfaces are critical for both host defense and pathogen exploitation.
  • Targeting M cell pathways offers potential strategies for controlling infectious diseases.

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