Organogenic role of B lymphocytes in mucosal immunity

TV Golovkina, M Shlomchik, L Hannum, A Chervonsky - Science, 1999 - science.org
TV Golovkina, M Shlomchik, L Hannum, A Chervonsky
Science, 1999science.org
Follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) in the intestinal Peyer's patches contains M cells that
deliver pathogens to organized lymphoid tissue. Development of Peyer's patches, FAE, and
M cells was found to be impaired in mice that had no B cells. Transgenic expression of
membrane-bound immunoglobulin M restored B cells and FAE development. The lack of M
cells abrogated infection with a milk-borne retrovirus. Thus, in addition to secretion of
antibodies and presentation of antigens, B cells are important for organogenesis of the …
Follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) in the intestinal Peyer's patches contains M cells that deliver pathogens to organized lymphoid tissue. Development of Peyer's patches, FAE, and M cells was found to be impaired in mice that had no B cells. Transgenic expression of membrane-bound immunoglobulin M restored B cells and FAE development. The lack of M cells abrogated infection with a milk-borne retrovirus. Thus, in addition to secretion of antibodies and presentation of antigens, B cells are important for organogenesis of the mucosal immune barriers.
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