Biology and pathology of the intestinal M‐cell. A review

Abstract

SUMMARY The literature of the intestinal M-cell, which is part of the epithelium covering the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), is reviewed. Attention is paid to the localization, structure, origin and function of this cell, under both normal and pathological conditions.

Canine coronavirus infection in the dog following oronasal inoculation

“…In contrast to previous reports of ¢cv and also transmissible gastroenteritis virus infections, which showed infected cells on the tips of villi , Takeuchi et al 1976, Shepherd et al 1979, this study demonstrates ccv infection predominantly to involve cells in dome epithelium in Peyer's patches rather than in the villus. It is possible that the infected dome epithelial cells are the membranous or M-cells described for a number of species including the dog (Egberts et al 1985). M-cells are thought to be involved in the uptake and transport of virus or other antigens from the gut lumen to the underlying lymphoid tissue (LeFevre et al 1979, Wolf et al 1981, Egberts et al 1985.…”

“…It is possible that the infected dome epithelial cells are the membranous or M-cells described for a number of species including the dog (Egberts et al 1985). M-cells are thought to be involved in the uptake and transport of virus or other antigens from the gut lumen to the underlying lymphoid tissue (LeFevre et al 1979, Wolf et al 1981, Egberts et al 1985.…”

Porcine colonic lymphoglandular complex: Distribution, structure, and epithelium

“…Bar = 2 pm. Egberts et al (1985) indicate that variability in M cell surface conformation and differentiation, as seen in LGC M cell-like cells, is not uncommon. Number, regularity of appearance, and branching of microvilli probably vary with the degree of maturation of the cell, and published photomicrographs suggest that microvillus height and core filament formation are diminished in mature versus immature M cells (Bye et al, 1984).…”

Structural specializations for antigen uptake and processing in the digestive tract

“…These are epithelial cells adapted for vesicular transport of a wide range of particles from the lumen to intercellular pockets containing lymphoid cells [15,45,59,72]. An important physical barrier throughout the gastrointestinal tract is the coating of mucus produced by goblet cells.…”