Single cell transcriptional analysis of human adenoids identifies molecular features of airway microfold cells.

ABSTRACT: The nasal, oropharyngeal, and bronchial mucosa are primary contact points for airborne pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), SARS-CoV-2, and influenza virus. While mucosal surfaces can function as both entry points and barriers to infection, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT) facilitate early immune responses to mucosal antigens. MALT contains a variety of specialized epithelial cells, including a rare cell type called a microfold cell (M cell) that functions to transport apical antigens to basolateral antigen-presenting cells, a crucial step in the initiation of mucosal immunity. M cells have been extensively characterized in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in murine and human models. However, the precise development and functions of human airway M cells are unknown. Her

SUBMITTER: Alvarez-Arguedas S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12556950 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature