GI immunology Flashcards
what is Payer’s patch
a specialised area where gut contents are sampled
what is Payer’s patch covered in
epithelial layer containing M cells
what are M cells
specialised cells which have characteristic membrane ruffles
what is the function of M cells
gateway for antigens into payer’s patch:
take up antigen via endocytosis and phagocytosis
where are dendritic cells located within the payer’s patch
directly under M cells
how do dendritic cells bring antigens into the payers patch
extend processes across the epithelial layer to capture antigens from the lumen of the gut
how are antigens brought into the Payer’s patch (2)
- M cells = endocytosis & phagocytosis
2. dendritic cells = extend processes
what are the 2 distinct compartments of the mucosal immune system
the epithelium
the lamina propria
what immune cells are located within the lamina propria
ALL types
what immune cells are located within the epithelia
dendritic cells
T cells
what is the percentage breakdown of the intestinal response
80% = IgA IgM = 15% IgG = 5%
describe the IgA in the intestinal response
dimeric
IgA1:IgA2 = 3:2
describe T cells role within the GI system
T cells enter Payers patch from blood vessels directed by L-selectin
They encounter antigens and are transported across M cell where they are activated by dendritic cells
activated T cells drain via mesenteric lymph nodes to the thoracic duct and return to the blood.
gut homing effector T cells bind to MAdCAM1 on endothelium
what is the role of MAdCAM
binds gut homing effector T cells on the endothelium
what does IgA bind to
poly-Ig receptor
what can IgA be replaced by and why
IgM
they are both polymers