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Published on: October 18, 2010
Antigen-sampling cells in the salmonid intestinal epithelium
Bjørn Fuglem1, Emilio Jirillo, Inge Bjerkås
1Section of Anatomy and Pathology, Institute of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Ullevålsveien 72, Oslo, Norway.
Developmental and Comparative Immunology
|February 25, 2010
Summary
Researchers identified novel antigen-sampling cells in salmonid fish intestines. These specialized epithelial cells share characteristics with mammalian M cells, suggesting an early evolutionary stage of immune cell function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Fish Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Antigen uptake in teleost intestine is known, but specific cells involved remain poorly characterized.
- Mammalian M cells are specialized for antigen sampling, but their presence in fish is unconfirmed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize antigen-sampling cells in the salmonid fish intestine.
- To investigate the morphology and distribution of these cells.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of salmonid intestinal segments to gold-bovine serum albumin (BSA).
- Examination of tissue sections using light and electron microscopy.
- Lectin binding experiments to identify cell characteristics.
Main Results:
- Gold-BSA uptake was observed in dendritic-like cells and specific epithelial cells in the mid-intestine.
- These epithelial cells featured unique microvilli and cytoplasmic channels.
- Lectin binding confirmed the presence of cells resembling mammalian M cells.
Conclusions:
- Identified epithelial cells in salmonid fish intestines possess characteristics of antigen-sampling cells.
- These cells may represent an evolutionary precursor to mammalian M cells.
- The findings advance understanding of immune surveillance in fish intestines.
