Conversion by Peyer's patch lymphocytes of human enterocytes into M cells that transport bacteria

Science. 1997 Aug 15;277(5328):949-52. doi: 10.1126/science.277.5328.949.

Abstract

The epithelium that lines the gut is impermeable to macromolecules and microorganisms, except in Peyer's patches (PPs), where the lymphoid follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) contains M cells that transport antigens and microorganisms. A cultured system that reproduces the main characteristics of FAE and M cells was established by cultivation of PP lymphocytes with the differentiated human intestinal cell line Caco-2. Lymphocytes settled into the epithelial monolayer, inducing reorganization of the brush border and a temperature-dependent transport of particles and Vibrio cholerae. This model system could prove useful for intestinal physiology, vaccine research, and drug delivery studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Bacterial Translocation*
  • Caco-2 Cells
  • Carrier Proteins / analysis
  • Cell Polarity
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Mucosal*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / cytology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / microbiology
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Microfilament Proteins / analysis
  • Microspheres
  • Microvilli / chemistry
  • Microvilli / ultrastructure
  • Peyer's Patches / cytology
  • Peyer's Patches / immunology*
  • Sucrase-Isomaltase Complex / analysis
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Temperature
  • Vibrio cholerae / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • villin
  • Sucrase-Isomaltase Complex
  • Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate