Plasticity of Paneth cells and their ability to regulate intestinal stem cells

Paneth cells (PCs) are located at the bottom of small intestinal crypts and play an important role in maintaining the stability of the intestinal tract. Previous studies reported on how PCs shape the intestinal microbiota or the response to the immune system. Recent studies have determined that PCs play an important role in the regulation of the homeostasis of intestinal epithelial cells. PCs can regulate the function and homeostasis of intestinal stem cells through several mechanisms. On the one hand, under pathological conditions, PCs can be dedifferentiated into stem cells to promote the repair of intestinal tissues. On the other hand, PCs can regulate stem cell proliferation by secreting a variety of hormones (such as wnt3a) or metabolic intermediates. In addition, we summarise key signalling pathways that affect PC differentiation and mutual effect with intestinal stem cells. In this review, we introduce the diverse functions of PCs in the intestine.