Epithelial cell (host)

Epithelial cells are structural cells that form the epithelium, which lines the surfaces and cavities of organs and body structures, acting as a barrier between the internal environment and external factors. These cells perform multiple roles including protection against pathogens and physical injury, regulation of exchanges (including absorption and secretion), sensation (including chemosensation and mechanosensation via cilia), and modulating immune responses through secreted factors and cell signaling[1][2][5]. Epithelial cells interact extensively with the host microbiota, contributing to tissue homeostasis and mediating immune responses such as the production of antimicrobial peptides and cytokines in response to pathogens[1][4]. Pathogenic and environmental challenges to epithelial cells can lead to or modulate diseases such as infections, inflammatory disorders, cancers, and chronic lung diseases[1][5]. Although epithelial cells possess many surface receptors (such as Toll-like receptors), “host epithelial cell” is not a defined molecular target like a single receptor, enzyme, or protein; therefore, it is not categorized as a traditional therapeutic target and is too broad and non-specific for most drug-target databases[1][2][3].

Other names

EpitheliumEpithelial tissueHost epithelial cellEpithelial barrier