Gut mucosal dendritic cell surface receptors

Gut mucosal dendritic cell surface receptors refer to a broad group of proteins expressed on the surface of dendritic cells (DCs) located in the lamina propria and Peyer's patches of the intestine (Mann et al., 2013, Nature Reviews Immunology). These receptors, which include integrins like CD103, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and chemokine receptors like CCR9, are fundamental to the gut's ability to maintain immune homeostasis and respond to pathogens (Coombes & Powrie, 2008, Nature Reviews Immunology). They facilitate the sampling of luminal antigens and the subsequent migration of DCs to mesenteric lymph nodes to prime T cell responses (Worbs et al., 2006, Journal of Experimental Medicine). In the healthy gut, these receptors often favor the development of regulatory T cells to maintain tolerance to food and commensal flora (Sun et al., 2007, Journal of Experimental Medicine). In pathological states such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the expression and function of these receptors are altered, contributing to the breakdown of tolerance and the recruitment of inflammatory cells (Hart et al., 2005, Gastroenterology). While individual receptors within this group are significant therapeutic targets for treating chronic intestinal inflammation, the collective term describes a functional class of molecules rather than a single specific drug target. Drugs like vedolizumab interact with related pathways by targeting integrins involved in the homing of these and other immune cells to the gut mucosa (Feagan et al., 2013, New England Journal of Medicine). Understanding the specific profile of these receptors is crucial for developing precision therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders.

Other names

Intestinal dendritic cell receptorsGut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) dendritic cell receptorsMucosal dendritic cell surface markers

Modulation of immune cell trafficking, antigen sampling, and T-cell polarization within the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).