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Updated: Mar 4, 2026

Isolation and Flow Cytometric Characterization of Murine Small Intestinal Lymphocytes
Published on: May 8, 2016
Regionalized Development and Maintenance of the Intestinal Adaptive Immune Landscape
William W Agace1, Kathy D McCoy2
1Division of Immunology and Vaccinology, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; Immunology Section, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC D14, Sölvegatan 19, 221 84 Lund, Sweden.
Abstract:
The intestinal immune system has the daunting task of protecting us from pathogenic insults while limiting inflammatory responses against the resident commensal microbiota and providing tolerance to food antigens. This role is particularly impressive when one considers the vast mucosal surface and changing landscape that the intestinal immune system must monitor. In this review, we highlight regional differences in the development and composition of the adaptive immune landscape of the intestine and the impact of local intrinsic and environmental factors that shape this process. To conclude, we review the evidence for a critical window of opportunity for early-life exposures that affect immune development and alter disease susceptibility later in life.
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