Macrophages residing in the muscularis externa of the gastrointestinal tract are highly
specialized cells that are essential for tissue homeostasis during steady-state conditions as
well as during disease. They are characterized by their unique protective functional
phenotype that is undoubtedly a consequence of the reciprocal interaction with their
environment, including the enteric nervous system. This muscularis macrophage-neuron
interaction dictates intestinal motility and promotes tissue-protection during injury and …