Human gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT); diversity, structure, and function

Mucosal Immunol. 2021 Jul;14(4):793-802. doi: 10.1038/s41385-021-00389-4. Epub 2021 Mar 22.

Abstract

Gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) are the key antigen sampling and adaptive immune inductive sites within the intestinal wall. Human GALT includes the multi-follicular Peyer's patches of the ileum, the vermiform appendix, and the numerous isolated lymphoid follicles (ILF) which are distributed along the length of the intestine. Our current understanding of GALT diversity and function derives primarily from studies in mice, and the relevance of many of these findings to human GALT remains unclear. Here we review our current understanding of human GALT diversity, structure, and composition as well as their potential for regulating intestinal immune responses during homeostasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Finally, we outline some key remaining questions regarding human GALT, the answers to which will advance our understanding of intestinal immune responses and provide potential opportunities to improve the treatment of intestinal diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Homeostasis
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Mucosal
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / diagnosis
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / etiology
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / metabolism
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
  • Organ Specificity
  • Peyer's Patches / cytology
  • Peyer's Patches / physiology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers