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Review
. 2020 Feb:62:54-61.
doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2019.11.011. Epub 2019 Dec 13.

Gut macrophages: key players in intestinal immunity and tissue physiology

Paul A Muller  1 , Fanny Matheis  2 , Daniel Mucida  3
Affiliations
Review

Gut macrophages: key players in intestinal immunity and tissue physiology

Paul A Muller et al. Curr Opin Immunol. 2020 Feb.

Abstract

The mammalian gastrointestinal tract harbors a large reservoir of tissue macrophages, which, in concert with other immune cells, help to maintain a delicate balance between tolerance to commensal microbes and food antigens, and resistance to potentially harmful microbes or toxins. Beyond their roles in resistance and tolerance, recent studies have uncovered novel roles played by tissue-resident, including intestinal-resident macrophages in organ physiology. Here, we will discuss recent advances in the understanding of the origin, phenotype and function of macrophages residing in the different layers of the intestine during homeostasis and under pathological conditions.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest

References

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      ** This study identifies four distinct human small-intestinal macrophage subtypes, that differ in marker expression, location, and longevity, based on tissue-analysis of intestinal transplant patients

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