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Intestinal neuro-immune interactions: focus on macrophages, mast cells and innate lymphoid cells
Nathalie Stakenborg1, Maria F Viola1, Guy E Boeckxstaens1
1Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Translational Research Center for GastroIntestinal Disorders, Intestinal Neuroimmune Interactions, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
Intestinal homeostasis relies on the reciprocal crosstalk between enteric neurons and immune cells, which together form neuro-immune units that occupy distinct anatomical niches within the gut. Here we will review the recent advances in our understanding of neuro-immune crosstalk within the gut, with focus on macrophages, mast cells and innate lymphoid cells. In particular, we will discuss the role of neuron-immune cell crosstalk in homeostasis, and how aberrant communication may underlie disease in the gastro-intestinal tract.
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