Cytokine responses and epithelial function in the intestinal mucosa.
Inflammatory diseases of mucosal organs are significantly influenced by the microenvironment in which they reside. Cytokines found within this microenvironment contribute significantly to endpoint functions of the mucosa. Studies dating back to the 1990s have revealed that epithelial cells are both a source as well as a target for numerous cytokines and that such signaling can substantially influence the outcome of mucosal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Here, we will review literature regarding intestinal epithelial cells as sources and responders to cytokines found in the intestinal milieu. These studies highlight the dynamic nature of these pathways and lend insight into the complexity of treating mucosal inflammation.
Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Medical Center and the Mucosal Inflammation Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12700 East 19th Ave. MS B-146, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
Joseph C
JC
Onyiah
Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Medical Center and the Mucosal Inflammation Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12700 East 19th Ave. MS B-146, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. Sean.Colgan@UCDenver.edu.
Sean P
SP
Colgan
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D018121:Receptors, Cytokine / Q000378:metabolism
D016207:Cytokines; D018121:Receptors, Cytokine
Colitis; Epithelium; Inflammation; Leukocyte; Mucosa; Murine model