Non-classical MHC class I molecules on intestinal epithelial cells: mediators of mucosal crosstalk

The mucosal immune environment consists of a complex combination of lymphoid cells, non-lymphoid cells, and lumenal bacteria. Signals from lumenal bacteria are constantly transmitted to the underlying tissues across the intestinal epithelial barrier. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) can sense these signals, integrate them, and interpret them for lamina propria lymphoid populations. One mechanism by which these signals are communicated is by the expression of non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules by IECs. Epithelial cells can express a surprising variety of non-classical MHC class I molecules. In some cases, IECs can act as non-professional antigen-presenting cells utilizing the expression of such non-classical MHC class I molecules to directly present bacterial antigens. In other cases, the expression of non-classical MHC class I molecules may act as a co-stimulatory molecule or adhesion molecule that can modify the mucosal immune response. Finally, the expression of these molecules on IECs can lead to a broad array of responses ranging from tolerance to inflammation. Overall, the IEC, via the expression of non-classical MHC class I molecules, is a central mediator of the constant crosstalk between the intestinal lumen and the mucosal immune system.