Healthy Intestinal Function Relies on Coordinated Enteric Nervous System, Immune System, and Epithelium Responses

Gut Microbes. 2021 Jan-Dec;13(1):1-14. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1916376.

Abstract

During both health and disease, a coordinated response between the epithelium, immune system, and enteric nervous system is required for proper intestinal function. While each system responds to a number of common stimuli, their coordinated responses support digestion as well as responses and recovery following injury or pathogenic infections. In this review, we discuss how individual responses to common signals work together to support these critical functions.

Keywords: Enteric nervous systems; intestinal epithelium; intestinal microbiota; mucosal immune response; mucosal immunity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Enteric Nervous System / physiology*
  • Epithelium / physiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Host Microbial Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Immunity*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / physiology
  • Intestines / immunology*
  • Intestines / microbiology*