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Updated: May 29, 2025

Induced Differentiation of M Cell-like Cells in Human Stem Cell-derived Ileal Enteroid Monolayers
Published on: July 26, 2019
MAIT cell homing in intestinal homeostasis and inflammation
Zhengyu Wu1, Xingchi Chen1, Fei Han1
1Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
Abstract:
Mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a large population of unconventional T cells widely distributed in the human gastrointestinal tract. Their homing to the gut is central to maintaining mucosal homeostasis and immunity. This review discusses the potential mechanisms that guide MAIT cells to the intestinal mucosa during homeostasis and inflammation, emphasizing the roles of chemokines, chemokine receptors, and tissue adhesion molecules. The potential influence of the gut microbiota on MAIT cell homing to different regions of the human gut is also discussed. Last, we introduce how organoid technology offers a potentially valuable approach to advance our understanding of MAIT cell tissue homing by providing a more physiologically relevant model that mimics the human gut tissue. These models may enable a detailed investigation of the gut-specific homing mechanisms of MAIT cells. By understanding the regulation of MAIT cell homing to the human gut, potential avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting gut inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) may emerge.
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