Lecture 17: Gut Immunology Flashcards
What is GALT?
Gut-associated lymphoid tissue
- part of MALT, which works in the immune system to protect the body from invasion in the gut.
- has Peyer’s patches and isolated lymphoid tissue
Where do isolated lymphoid follicles develop after birth?
Small and large intestine
How does GALT receive antigens?
Directly from epithelial surface and dendritic cells
Microbes crossing the epithelium enter Peyer’s Patches through what cells?
M cells
-microbes endocytosed by dendritic cells from here
After dendritic cells with antigens interact with Peyer’s Patches, what happens?
Differentiation of T-cells
Differentiation of T-cell-dependent B cells maturation
What do mature B cells in the gut release?
IgA producing plasma cells
What promotes the development of mature ILFs (isolated lymphoid follicles)?
- MAMPs recognized by PRRs (pattern-recognition receptors)
- Stimulate recruitment of B and T cells
- Cryptopatches develop into mature ILFs
What are Paneth Cells?
Cells found in the small intestine that have antimicrobial properties similar to neutrophils
What are defensins?
Antimicrobial peptides that contribute to mucosal host defense of the GI system
-important role in innate immune system
Describe different types of intestinal epithelial cells.
- Goblet Cells: Produce dense mucin
- Enterocytes: absorptive cells in SI and LI
- Colonocytes
- Paneth Cells
What is the role of secretory IgA?
Maintain peaceful bacteria-host interaction
- does not activate complement system
- does not activate phagocytosis
- resistant to proteolysis
How do defensins work?
Has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts
-can disrupt microbial membranes and form pores
Where do most of the commensal bacteria reside?
Outside the layer of mucus covering intestinal epithelial cells
What kills commensal and pathogenic bacteria that penetrate epithelial layer?
Macrophages in lamina propria
Can dendritic cells eventually reach systemic circulation?
No
- mesenteric lymph nodes function as a barrier
- loaded DCs cannot penetrate farther than systemic circulation
What happens to B and T cells after activation?
Unlike DCs, they can leave mesenteric lymph nodes through efferent lymph and enter blood stream at thoracic duct
What is the significance of short chain fatty acids
Important source of energy for colonocytes
- from colonic microbial fermentation of dietary fibers
- stimulate production of mucus
- support effective IgA mediated response to pathogens
What does acetate stimulate?
Accumulation of IL-10 producing Tregs
What does butyrate stimulate?
Acts on Tregs
Modulate DC to enhance Treg-inducing ability
What does capsular polysaccharide A (PSA) act on?
Tregs
Improves expression of IL-10 and TGF-β