title: M cell differentiation: distinct lineage or phenotypic transition? Salmonella provides answers.
abstract: Whether M cells arise from a distinct lineage or result from phenotypic transition is a matter of debate. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Tahoun et al. (2012) provide evidence that SopB, a virulence factor of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, can induce phenotypic transition of lymphoid follicle-associated enterocytes into M cells.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Epithelial Immunobiology, RIKEN Research Center for Allergy and Immunology, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan. ohno@rcai.riken.jp
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ohno
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kanaya
authors.forename: Ifor R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Williams