The Roles of Epithelial Cells in Gut Immunity

Abstract

The epithelial layer of the gastrointestinal tract are the columnar cells exposed to the lumen, the site where food matter and food-borne pathogens come into contact with our body. As they are the front line against food-borne illness, they are responsible for sensing the luminal environment and modulating secretions they produce in response. Gut epithelium operates a melody of ways in which it provides a barrier, targets pathogens, promotes our mutualistic microbiota and induces long lasting immunity against infection, all the while allowing us to absorb nutrition. This review examines the role of gastrointestinal epithelial cells in maintaining gut health and tolerance.