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Intestinal myofibroblasts and immune tolerance
J I Saada1, C A Barrera, V E Reyes
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, 301 University Boulevard, Route 1058, Galveston, TX 77555-1058, USA. jsaada@utmb.edu
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|February 1, 2005
Summary
Human colonic myofibroblasts (CMFs) act as nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), influencing T cell responses in the gut. These cells are crucial for maintaining immune tolerance to food antigens and gut microbes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Stromal cells, including myofibroblasts and fibroblasts, are abundant MHC class II-positive cells in the colonic lamina propria.
- Their presence suggests a role in regulating CD4(+) T cell responses within the tolerogenic mucosal environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if human colonic myofibroblasts (CMFs) share phenotypic and functional characteristics with conventional antigen-presenting cells (APCs).
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic analysis of CMFs.
- Functional assays to assess antigen presentation capabilities.
Main Results:
- Human colonic myofibroblasts exhibit characteristics of a novel, nonprofessional APC phenotype.
- CMFs are capable of modulating mucosal T cell responses.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal myofibroblasts represent a unique APC subset crucial for immune regulation in the gut.
- Their strategic location supports a significant role in promoting tolerance to luminal antigens.