Exp Mol Med.  2017 May;49(5):e338. 10.1038/emm.2017.20.

Roles of intestinal epithelial cells in the maintenance of gut homeostasis

• Okumura R
• Takeda K

• KMID: 2382700
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1038/emm.2017.20

Abstract

The intestine is a unique organ inhabited by a tremendous number of microorganisms. Intestinal epithelial cells greatly contribute to the maintenance of the symbiotic relationship between gut microbiota and the host by constructing mucosal barriers, secreting various immunological mediators and delivering bacterial antigens. Mucosal barriers, including physical barriers and chemical barriers, spatially segregate gut microbiota and the host immune system to avoid unnecessary immune responses to gut microbes, leading to the intestinal inflammation. In addition, various immunological mediators, including cytokines and chemokines, secreted from intestinal epithelial cells stimulated by gut microbiota modulate host immune responses, maintaining a well-balanced relationship between gut microbes and the host immune system. Therefore, impairment of the innate immune functions of intestinal epithelial cells is associated with intestinal inflammation.

MeSH Terms

Antigens, Bacterial
Architectural Accessibility
Chemokines
Cytokines
Epithelial Cells*
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Homeostasis*
Immune System
Inflammation
Intestines
Antigens, Bacterial
Chemokines
Cytokines