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Antigen presenting cells in the porcine gut
C R Stokes1, K Haverson, M Bailey
1Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Bristol, Langford, Avon, UK.
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
The gut immune system distinguishes pathogens from food antigens. The lamina propria (LP) is a unique microenvironment crucial for immune surveillance and regulating responses to food peptides.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mucosal immune responses are effectively stimulated by local antigen presentation.
- The gut immune system differentiates between pathogens and harmless dietary antigens.
- Peyer's patches are historically recognized for immune responses, but the lamina propria's role is also significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunological microenvironment of the intestinal lamina propria (LP).
- To understand how the gut immune system distinguishes between harmful and harmless antigens.
- To explore the role of LP cells in immune surveillance and regulation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pig intestinal epithelial cells and subepithelial LP cells.
- Phenotypic characterization of pig LP T cells (CD45, CD4, CD25).
- Assessment of T cell cytokine production (IL-4, IL-2) upon activation.
Main Results:
- Pig intestinal epithelial cells lack MHC Class II molecules, unlike other species.
- Non-professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including endothelial cells and eosinophils, are present in the LP.
- LP CD4 T cells are CD45RO-positive and secrete IL-4 upon activation, indicating a regulatory role.
Conclusions:
- The intestinal lamina propria is a unique immunological microenvironment.
- LP T cells play a role in immune surveillance and responding to recall antigens.
- The LP may be involved in down-regulating local responses to food-derived peptides.