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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 27, 2026

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

Summary

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.

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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.