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Related Concept Videos

Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells01:23

Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells

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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...
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MHC molecules are key players in the immune response, enabling T cells to recognize and respond to specific antigens. They are present on the surface of all nucleated cells in the body and are instrumental in presenting antigens to T cells and activating them. T cells recognize the MHC-antigen complex and initiate an immune response. MHC class I and MHC class II are two main types of MHC molecules, each associated with a distinct antigen processing pathway.
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Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

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An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
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Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal01:12

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Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
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Histology of the Small Intestine01:27

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The small intestine exhibits a unique histological structure that significantly enhances its function in digestion and nutrient absorption. These structures include circular folds, villi, and various specialized cells that collectively facilitate the digestion of food.
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T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

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T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
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Induced Differentiation of M Cell-like Cells in Human Stem Cell-derived Ileal Enteroid Monolayers
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Why do intestinal epithelial cells express MHC class II?

Cornelia Heuberger1,2, Johanna Pott1,3, Kevin Joseph Maloy1,4

  • 1Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

Immunology
|September 23, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) present antigens, but their role in immune responses is debated. Understanding IECs’ major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen presentation is key for balancing immunity and tolerance.

Keywords:
CD4+ T cellsMHC class IIgutintestinal epithelial cell

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) form a barrier between the gut lumen and the immune system.
  • IECs possess antigen processing and presentation machinery, suggesting a role as non-conventional antigen-presenting cells.
  • Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression in IECs is regulated by CIITA and IFN-γ, and its role in immune responses is controversial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the multifaceted consequences of MHC class II antigen presentation by IECs.
  • To clarify whether IECs activate effector T cells or regulatory T cells.
  • To explore the impact of IEC-derived exosomes and MHC class II expression on intestinal stem cells.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of MHC class II expression in IECs under various conditions.
  • Investigating the effects of IEC antigen presentation on T cell subsets (Teff and Treg).
  • Studying the role of MHC class II-positive exosomes released by IECs.
  • Examining MHC class II expression in intestinal stem cells.

Main Results:

  • Conflicting findings exist regarding the immune-enhancing or immunosuppressive roles of IECs and their exosomes.
  • IEC MHC class II expression is upregulated during inflammation, potentially activating effector CD4+ T cells.
  • Antigen presentation by IECs may also promote regulatory T cell activation, suggesting a suppressive role.
  • MHC class II expression by intestinal stem cells may influence epithelial renewal.

Conclusions:

  • IECs play a complex role in intestinal immunity, with antigen presentation having diverse outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the consequences of IEC MHC class II antigen presentation.
  • Modulating IEC MHC class II pathways could offer therapeutic strategies for balancing immunity and tolerance in the gut.