The relationship between intestinal goblet cells and the immune response

Goblet cells (GCs) are single-cell glands that produce and secrete mucin. Mucin forms a mucus layer, which can separate the materials in cavities from the intestinal epithelium and prevent the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms in various ways. GCs can also participate in the immune response through nonspecific endocytosis and goblet cell-associated antigen passages (GAPs). GCs endocytose soluble substances from the lumen and transmit antigens to the underlying antigen-presenting cells (APCs). A variety of immuno-regulatory factors can promote the differentiation, maturation of GCs, and the secretion of mucin. The mucin secreted by GCs forms a mucus layer, which plays an important role in resisting the invasion of foreign bacteria and intestinal inherent microorganisms, regulating the immune performance of the body. Therefore, the present study mainly reviews the barrier function of the mucus layer, the mucus secreted by goblet cells, the protective effect against pathogenic bacteria, the delivery of luminal substances through GAPs and the relationship between GCs and the immune response.