Conjunctival M cells selectively bind and translocate Maackia amurensis leukoagglutinin

Antigen-sampling M cells are found in the follicle-associated epithelium above organized lymphoid tissue in many mucosae. They play a key role in initiating the mucosal immune response and act as a site of entry for opportunistic pathogens. This study investigates the presence of M cells in the Guinea pig conjunctiva. Maackia amurensis leukoagglutinin I and II (MAL-I and MAL-II) were identified as potential conjunctival M cell markers based on a screening of 12 lectins and 5 carbohydrate epitope antibodies on aldehyde-fixed follicles. Biotinylated or fluorescein-conjugated MAL-I was then instilled into conjunctival sacs in vivo for 15-60 min. Specimens were assessed by epi-fluorescence stereomicroscopy, confocal scanning laser microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM). Selective labelling of a subset of epithelial cells overlying lymphoid follicles was observed following in vivo exposure to MAL-I. MAL-I labelling was restricted to cells with sparse, irregular microvilli. Cells preferentially labelled with MAL-I were found to internalize the lectin during a 60 min in vivo exposure. MAL-I was transcytosed to basolateral membranes of cells filled with intracellular vesicles during a 45 min in vivo incubation. This study demonstrates that the Guinea pig conjunctiva contains a cell with morphological and functional characteristics of antigen-sampling M cells.