Immune system cell in gut-associated lymphoid tissue

Immune system cells in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) are a diverse group including B cells, T cells, dendritic cells, plasma cells, and macrophages, that collectively orchestrate the immune response against pathogens in the gut. Located in organized structures such as Peyer's patches, the appendix, and isolated lymphoid follicles, these cells perform antigen sampling, induce adaptive immunity, and maintain homeostasis with commensal bacteria. GALT is the largest immune organ by weight and is essential in the defense against gut pathogens and in preventing inappropriate inflammation, as seen in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Aberrant function of these immune cells can lead to infection, chronic inflammation, or autoimmunity

Other names

GALT immune cellGut-resident immune cellIntestinal lymphoid immune cellGALT leukocyte