Host epithelial and immune cells

Host epithelial and immune cells refers to the integrated cellular network comprising the body's physical barriers and its primary defense mechanisms. Epithelial cells provide a structural and chemical shield against pathogens, while immune cells, including lymphocytes and myeloid cells, coordinate the inflammatory response (NIH, 2023). The crosstalk between these populations, often termed the epithelial-immune axis, is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and responding to environmental stimuli (PubMed, 2022). Dysregulation of this interaction is a hallmark of various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease (StatPearls, 2024). Because this term encompasses a vast array of distinct cell types and molecular pathways, it does not constitute a single, druggable therapeutic target. Pharmacological intervention typically focuses on specific receptors or enzymes within these cells rather than the entire population (UniProt, 2024).

Other names

Epithelial-immune axisMucosal immune systemHost cellsEpithelial-immune interface

Not applicable as this refers to a broad cellular population rather than a specific molecular target.