Mucousal immunity Flashcards
How would you define mucosa?
Surface lined by mucus-secreting epithelium
Name three physical defense mechanisms
- Tight junctions
- Mucocilliary apparatus
- Mucus layer
What two things does the mucus contain?
- Mucus is produced by goblet cells and submucousal glands
- Antimicrobial peptides
What two things does the ‘mucus blanket’ contain?
- Glycoproteins
- Matrix to hold things
What is the function of paneth cells?
They produce antimicrobial peptides and proteins and other components that are important in host defense and immunity
What are the 4 cell types present in the mucus layer?
- Goblet Cells
- Paneth cells
- Plasma cells
- Enterocytes
What specialised epithelial cells overlay the MALT?
Microfold cells/ M cells
What is the function of the Microfold cells?
Transport substances from the lumen to the underlying lymphoid tissue
Why do M cells offer a ‘unique portal’ to the alimentary system?
- Lack a mucus covering
- Shorter and fewer microvilli
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What two parts make up the diffuse lymphoid tissue?
- Intraepithelial lymphocytes
- Lamina propria lymphocytes and plasma cells
What makes up the organised lymphocyte tissue
- MALT
- GALT (Peyers Patches)
- BALT, NALT
What induces clonal deletion?
Induced by activation of the Fas-Ligand (CD95)
What is Cell anergy?
- Inactivation of the lymphocytes that encouncter the antigen
- Occurs in the absence of co-stimulation signals
