Epithelial sensing of microbiota-derived signals. Genes Immun 2021 Oct;22(5-6):237-246
Date
04/08/2021Pubmed ID
33824498Pubmed Central ID
PMC8492766DOI
10.1038/s41435-021-00124-wScopus ID
2-s2.0-85103677164 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 24 CitationsAbstract
The gastrointestinal tract harbors trillions of microbial species, collectively termed the microbiota, which establish a symbiotic relationship with the host. Decades of research have emphasized the necessity of microbial signals in the development, maturation, and function of host physiology. However, changes in the composition or containment of the microbiota have been linked to the development of several chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are in constant contact with the microbiota and are critical for maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Signals from the microbiota are directly sensed by IECs and influence intestinal health by calibrating immune cell responses and fortifying intestinal barrier function. IECs detect commensal microbes through engagement of common pattern recognition receptors or by sensing the production of microbial-derived metabolites. Deficiencies in these microbial-detecting pathways in IECs leads to impaired epithelial barrier function and altered intestinal homeostasis. This Review aims to highlight the pathways by which IECs sense microbiota-derived signals and the necessity of these detection pathways in maintaining epithelial barrier integrity.
Author List
Eshleman EM, Alenghat TAuthor
Emily M. Eshleman PhD Assistant Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
HomeostasisHumans
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Intestinal Mucosa
Intestines
Microbiota
