HLA-DR expression on M cells overlying Peyer's patches is a common feature of human small intestine.
The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II (HLA-DR) antigens on M cells within follicle-associated epithelial cells (FAE) covering Peyer's patches was analyzed immunohistochemically. HLA-DR antigens were strongly expressed on M cells and cells with dendritic morphology, whereas other FAE covering Peyer's patches showed weak, but definite staining. Dendritic cells were also positive for S-100 protein and IL-1. These findings suggest that M cells as well as dendritic cells within FAE form an antigen-presenting cell system and contribute to the first information releaser for the mucosal immune system.
Nagura
H
H
Department of Pathology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
Ohtani
H
H
Masuda
T
T
Kimura
M
M
Nakamura
S
S
D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000032:analysis; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010581:Peyer's Patches / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000032:analysis
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D007375:Interleukin-1; D009418:S100 Proteins