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Dendritic cells of the gastrointestinal tract

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Conclusion

The studies of PP, LP, mesenteric LN, and thoracic duct lymph DCs now allow us to propose a basic outline of DC function in the mucosal immune system. In the organized lymphoid follicles, such as the PP, DCs in the subepithelial dome acquire luminal antigens after transport of the latter by M cells. They then present antigens to CD4+ T cells in the subepithelial dome or B cell follicles or, following activation/maturation and migration to the interfollicular T cell regions, to both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Alternatively, the DCs migrate via afferent lymphatics to the mesenteric LNs where they prime T cells at this site. In the diffuse lymphoid area of the LP, DCs acquire antigen via cellular extensions that pierce the basement membrane, or by DCs present in the epithelium. DCs above or below the basement membrane could process antigens transported across the basolateral membranes by epithelial cells, or alternatively, could directly sample intestinal antigens by dendrites that reach the intestinal lumen. These DCs then present antigen to IELS within the epithelium, to T cells in the LP, or following migration, to T cells in mesenteric LNs. A major unanswered question concerning this distribution of professional antigen-presenting cells is whether presentation of antigen by different DC populations has different outcomes. In addition, it remains unclear whether DCs from non-mucosal locations migrate to mucosal sites, or whether DCs from mucosal sites migrate to systemic lymphoid organs beyond the mesenteric LNs. Many active studies of mucosal immunity are centered around these questions and we await their outcome.

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  1. Mucosal Immunity Section, Laboratory for Clinical Investigation, Building 10, Room 11N238, National Institutes for Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, 22908, Bethesda, MD, USA

    Brian L. Kelsall & Warren Strober

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Kelsall, B.L., Strober, W. Dendritic cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Springer Semin Immunopathol 18, 409–420 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00824050

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