The intestine: A highly dynamic microenvironment for IgA plasma cells

Abstract

To achieve longevity, IgA plasma cells require a sophisticated anatomical microenvironment that provides cytokines, cell-cell contacts, and nutrients as well as metabolites. The intestinal epithelium harbors cells with distinct functions and represents an important defense line. Anti-microbial peptide-producing paneth cells, mucus-secreting goblet cells and antigen-transporting microfold (M) cells cooperate to build a protective barrier against pathogens. In addition, intestinal epithelial cells are instrumental in the transcytosis of IgA to the gut lumen, and support plasma cell survival by producing the cytokines APRIL and BAFF. Moreover, nutrients are sensed through specialized receptors such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) by both, intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells. However, the intestinal epithelium is highly dynamic with a high cellular turn-over rate and exposure to changing microbiota and nutritional factors. In this review, we discuss the spatial interplay of the intestinal epithelium with plasma cells and its potential contribution to IgA plasma cell generation, homing, and longevity. Moreover, we describe the impact of nutritional AhR ligands on intestinal epithelial cell-IgA plasma cell interaction. Finally, we introduce spatial transcriptomics as a new technology to address open questions in intestinal IgA plasma cell biology.

Effect of bovine colostrum liposomes on the bioavailability of immunoglobulin G and their immunoregulatory function in immunosuppressed BALB/c mice

“…The intestine is the organ that is most susceptible to antigens and microorganisms, which makes it a crucial line of defense to fight against pathogenic microorganisms. 39 Detrimental environments can cause the oxidation and inflammation of the intestine, and numerous studies have indicated that CTX can induce a shortening and shedding of the intestinal villus, ultimately leading to damage of the intestinal mucosal layer. 32,33,40 Our current research suggested that CTX triggered damage to the jejunum structure, as manifested by the disappearance of muscle layers and exposure of the lamina propria structure; however, supplementation with BCL restored the structures of the jejunal epithelial cells (Fig.…”

The role of morphine‐ and fentanyl‐induced impairment of intestinal epithelial antibacterial activity in dysbiosis and its impact on the microbiota‐gut‐brain axis

“…We observed an increased abundance of Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia , and depletion of Firmicutes in the feces of chronic morphine‐treated mice. The intestinal epithelium restricts bacteria from colonizing the intestine tissue and entering systemic circulation through multiple contingencies that maintain homeostasis between the intestinal epithelium and the gut bacteria 19,21,39 . One mechanism is the secretion of AMPs into the intestinal lumen by enterocytes and crypt Paneth cells 21 .…”

Circular RNAs in inflammatory bowel disease

“…The plasma cells residing in the intestinal lamina propria secrete immunoglobulin A (IgA). The secreted IgA reaches the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) on intestinal epithelium via simple diffusion for transcytosis into the intestinal lumen, where IgA assures the homeostasis of microbiome and protects the host against enteric infections ( 65 – 67 ).…”