The life and times of an intestinal M cell.

ABSTRACT

Intestinal M cells are specialized epithelial antigen-sampling cells, strategically located over mucosal lymphoid follicles. They regulate the entry of antigen required for mucosal immune responses. There are several potential mechanisms involved in the induction of intestinal M cells. Both luminal antigen and B cells appear to have an influence on these altered epithelial differentiation pathways.