Mark Rochman, Kendall Kellerman, Michael P. Jankowski, Marc E. Rothenberg
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The oesophagus has traditionally been viewed as a simple conduit for food transport. In performing this delivery function, it confronts a continuous influx of foreign antigens, including food particles with variable microbial content, and encounters many biophysical stimuli triggered by food textures and temperature. To meet these challenges, the oesophagus comprises a robust barrier featuring a thick, multilayered epithelium coated by mucins and mechanically held together by strong adhesion complexes, including desmosomal junctions. Sentinel immune cells, including a notable presence of CD8+ resident memory T cells, mast cells and dendritic cells, are abundant alongside IL-1 family cytokines released and activated under tight homeostatic regulation through a balance of proteases and antiproteases. Pattern recognition receptors, such as Toll-like receptors on epithelial cells, identify foreign antigens and can trigger cytokine release. Disruptions, whether acquired or genetically inherited, in these innate immune functions contribute to disease onset. Here, we present evidence that the oesophagus is an immune organ with extensive sensing properties designed to tolerate and mount defences against antigenic and biophysical challenges.
期刊介绍:
Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology aims to serve as the leading resource for Reviews and commentaries within the scientific and medical communities it caters to. The journal strives to maintain authority, accessibility, and clarity in its published articles, which are complemented by easily understandable figures, tables, and other display items. Dedicated to providing exceptional service to authors, referees, and readers, the editorial team works diligently to maximize the usefulness and impact of each publication.
The journal encompasses a wide range of content types, including Research Highlights, News & Views, Comments, Reviews, Perspectives, and Consensus Statements, all pertinent to gastroenterologists and hepatologists. With its broad scope, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology ensures that its articles reach a diverse audience, aiming for the widest possible dissemination of valuable information.
Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology is part of the Nature Reviews portfolio of journals.