Intestinal M cells and their role in bacterial infection.
M cells are located in the epithelia overlying mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues such as Peyer's patches where they function as the antigen sampling cells of the mucosal immune system. Paradoxically, some pathogens exploit M cells as a route of invasion. Here we review our current knowledge of intestinal M cells with particular emphasis on the mechanisms underlying bacterial infection of these atypical epithelial cells.
Clark
M Ann
MA
Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
Jepson
Mark A
MA
D000818:Animals; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D051379:Mice; D010581:Peyer's Patches / Q000166:cytology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D011817:Rabbits