Intestinal Nutrient-Sensing Cell

Intestinal nutrient-sensing cells are specialized epithelial cells within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that detect and respond to nutrients present in the gut lumen. The primary type of these cells is the enteroendocrine cell (EEC), which acts as a chemosensor, translating nutrient signals into hormonal and neural responses that regulate physiological processes such as appetite, digestion, absorption, metabolism, and energy homeostasis. These cells are not direct drug targets themselves, but rather, the receptors and signaling pathways within these cells are considered therapeutic targets.

Other names

Enteroendocrine cell (EEC)Nutrient-sensing enteroendocrine cellIntestinal chemosensorEEC