Gut-associated lymphoid tissue

Synonyms

GALT.

Definition

Gut-associated lymphoid tissue is comprised of Peyer's patches, interdigitating lymphocytes, plasma cells and lymphocytes present in the lamina propria, and mesenteric lymph nodes. The role of GALT is to manage the immune response to the massive antigen exposure experienced by the gut while maintaining a potent adaptive immune response to protect the host from mucosal pathogens.

Full Text

The mucosal epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract is deluged by potential pathogens on a continuous basis. Salivary enzymes, gastric acidity and surface mucous production provide a powerful barrier protection sufficient to protect against numerous invaders. However, an adaptive immune response is necessary to fully protect organisms against all virulent microbes. In the gut, a nework of interdigitating lymphocytes in the epithelium, in addition to lymphocytes and plasma cells that circulate through the lamina propria, play an imprtant role in dealing with ingested...