[The role of enteric glial cells in intestinal neuroimmunomodulation]

As a type of special glial cells, enteric glial cells (EGCs) have long been considered capable of only supporting and nourishing enteric neurons. With the deepening of brain-gut research, a large number of latest research results have altered this understanding, and revealed a series of important functions of EGCs in the development and plasticity of enteric nervous system, as well as enteric neuroimmunomodulation. EGCs can respond to immune regulation signals such as cytokines, bacteria and neurotransmitters in the extracellular environment. By autocrine or paracrine regulation, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) secreted by EGCs can inhibit its apoptosis, reduce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, exert immune-suppressive and anti-inflammatory actions, and participate in the functioning of immunologic barrier. Besides, EGCs presents antigen by expressing major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II) , so as to maintain immunity homeostasis under inflammatory conditions. The interpretation of related role of EGCs in enteric immune regulation can provide a new target and insight for the application of EGCs in treating inflammatory and functional gastrointestinal diseases.