Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
14:14
In vitro Coculture Assay to Assess Pathogen Induced Neutrophil Trans-epithelial Migration
Published on: January 6, 2014
Paneth cell α-defensins in enteric innate immunity
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, USC/Norris Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9601, USA. aouellet@usc.edu
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|May 12, 2011
Summary
Paneth cells in the small intestine secrete alpha-defensins, crucial for fighting microbes and shaping the gut microbiome. Their dysfunction contributes to intestinal inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Paneth cells are specialized epithelial cells in the small intestinal crypts.
- They secrete antimicrobial peptides, primarily alpha-defensins, crucial for host defense.
- These cells respond to both microbial and neural signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the role of Paneth cells and their secreted products in intestinal immunity.
- To highlight the importance of Paneth cell alpha-defensins in microbiome composition and pathogen resistance.
- To discuss the implications of Paneth cell dysfunction in inflammatory conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Paneth cell function and secretion.
- Analysis of the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory roles of alpha-defensins.
- Examination of experimental models demonstrating Paneth cell involvement in inflammation.
Main Results:
- Paneth cell alpha-defensins are potent microbicides in the intestinal lumen.
- They are essential for immunity against Salmonella Typhimurium infection.
- Alpha-defensins significantly influence the small intestinal microbiome's composition.
- Paneth cells also release pro-inflammatory mediators.
Conclusions:
- Paneth cells are critical for innate immunity and maintaining gut homeostasis.
- Dysregulation of Paneth cell function, leading to stress responses, is linked to intestinal inflammation.
- Understanding Paneth cell biology is vital for developing therapies for inflammatory gut diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...
01:05Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health
The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, is safeguarded by the intestinal barrier, which consists of secretory, physical, and immune components. At the forefront is the secretory barrier, composed of essential elements such as mucus, gut microbiota, and defense proteins. They collaborate to break down food particles, facilitate nutrient absorption, and maintain optimal gut health. These secretory components ensure the smooth functioning of the...
01:28Cells of the Innate Immune Response
The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
01:27Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcers are erosive lesions of the gastric or duodenal lining, most commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. This Gram-negative, helical bacterium has adapted to survive the stomach’s acidic environment by producing urease, which converts urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia neutralizes gastric acid in the bacterium’s immediate environment, allowing colonization of the gastric mucosa. H. pylori attaches to mucus-secreting epithelial cells, penetrates the mucus...
01:26Gastritis II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of gastritis begins with the colonization of the stomach lining by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium spreads mainly via the oral-oral route through saliva or shared utensils, and can also be transmitted in overcrowded or unhygienic environments through contaminated water, despite its brief survival outside the body.ColonizationOnce ingested, H. pylori enters the stomach and begins colonization by navigating through the mucus layer lining the stomach wall. It...