Characterization of M Cells in Tear Duct-Associated Lymphoid Tissue of Mice: A Potential Role in Immunosurveillance on the Ocular Surface.

ABSTRACT: The ocular mucosal tissues are exposed to potentially harmful foreign antigens in the air and tear fluid. The tear duct-associated lymphoid tissue (TALT) may contribute to immune surveillance in the eye region. Follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) of TALTs is classified as stratified squamous epithelium and consists of squamous epithelial cells arranged in layers on the basement membrane. In contrast, most mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue is covered by a monolayer of epithelium containing microfold (M) cells. Therefore, antigen uptake and the presence of M cells in TALT are not fully understood. The present study found that a small population of FAE cells in the TALT expressed intestinal M-cell markers, namely Sox8, Tnfaip2, GP2, and OPG. This cell population was identified as functional

SUBMITTER: Oya Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8645900 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature