Intestinal immune cells

Intestinal immune cells represent a diverse population of innate and adaptive immune cells residing in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily within the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), lamina propria, and epithelial layer [1]. These cells, including T lymphocytes, B cells (notably IgA-secreting plasma cells), dendritic cells, and macrophages, are critical for maintaining mucosal homeostasis by distinguishing between harmless commensal microbes and pathogenic threats [2]. Dysregulation of these immune populations leads to chronic inflammatory states, most notably Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which encompasses Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis [3]. While 'intestinal immune cells' is a broad cellular category rather than a single molecular target, many successful therapies specifically target proteins expressed by or acting upon these cells, such as integrins (e.g., alpha-4 beta-7) to inhibit cell homing or cytokines (e.g., TNF, IL-12/23) to dampen the inflammatory cascade [4]. Understanding the spatial and functional heterogeneity of these cells is essential for developing precision medicines that restore intestinal tolerance without compromising systemic immunity [5].

Other names

Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) cellsMucosal immune cellsLamina propria lymphocytesIntraepithelial lymphocytesGastrointestinal immune system

Modulation of leukocyte trafficking, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and interference with intracellular signaling pathways within gut-resident or infiltrating immune cells.