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M cells

This term has been used in several different ways.

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(-1-) [membranous cells, microfold cells] Intestinal M cells, called also Follicle-associated epithelial cells (abbr. FAE cells) are found in the epithelium of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), overlying lymphoid follicles (Peyer's patches) (Buda et al, 2005; Gebert et al, 1996). M cells are specialized epithelial cells that sample antigens from the gut lumen. They take up macromolecules and micro-organisms and deliver them to lymphoid tissue cells for recognition by the immune system (Kraehenbühl and Neutra, 2000; Kucharzik et al, 2000; Mach et al, 2005; Niedergang and Kraehenbühl, 2000). Some pathogens exploit M cells as a route of invasion (Clark and Jepson, 2003; Sansonetti and Phalipon, 1999). Pathogen receptors expressed by Peyer's patch M cells have potential as targets for the delivery of vaccine antigens (Brayden and Baird, 2004; Kraehenbühl and Neutra, 2000).

Lo et al (2003) have reported that M cells express the Peptidoglycan recognition proteins PGRP-S and PGRP-L, which mat serve as pattern recognition receptors involved in triggering mucosal immunity and innate immune responses. Clark and Hirst (2002) have reported that M cell adherens junctions are distinguished by enhanced expression of beta-catenin, alpha-actinin, polymerised actin and, in some areas, E-cadherin. M cell junctions also show increased expression of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and phosphotyrosine. M cell apical surfaces display characteristic patterns of beta-catenin, alpha-actinin and actin expression, which distinguishes them from enterocytes.

For related information see also: Cell types, Cell lines in Cytokine Research, Cell culture.

LAST MODIFIED: August 2009

REFERENCES: Brayden DJ and Baird AW Apical membrane receptors on intestinal M cells: potential targets for vaccine delivery. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 56(6): 721-776 (2004); Buda A et al Use of fluorescence imaging to investigate the structure and function of intestinal M cells. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 57(1): 123-134 (2005); Clark MA and Hirst BH Expression of junction-associated proteins differentiates mouse intestinal M cells from enterocytes. Histochemistry and Cell Biology 118(2): 137-147 (2002); Clark MA and Jepson MA Intestinal M cells and their role in bacterial infection. International Journal of Medical Microbiology 293(1): 17-39 (2003); Gebert A et al M cells in Peyer's patches of the intestine. International Review of Cytology 167: 91-159 (1996); Kraehenbühl JP and Neutra MR Epithelial M cells: differentiation and function. Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology 16: 301-332 (2000); Kucharzik T et al Role of M cells in intestinal barrier function. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 915: 171-183 (2000); Lo D et al Peptidoglycan recognition protein expression in mouse Peyer's Patch follicle associated epithelium suggests functional specialization. Cellular Immunology 224(1): 8-16 (2003); Mach J et al Development of intestinal M cells. Immunological Reviews 206: 177-189 (2005); Niedergang F and Kraehenbühl JP Much ado about M cells. Trends in Cell Biology 10(4): 137-141 (2000); Sansonetti PJ and Phalipon A M cells as ports of entry for enteroinvasive pathogens: mechanisms of interaction, consequences for the disease process. Seminars in Immunology 11(3): 193-203 (1999)

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(-2-)

specialized myocardial cells that contribute to the expression of electrical activity in the intact myocardium (Anyukhovsky et al, 1999)

For related information see also: Cell types, Cell lines in Cytokine Research, Cell culture.

LAST MODIFIED: September 2005

REFERENCES: Anyukhovsky EP et al The controversial M cell. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 10(2): 244-260 (1999)

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(-3-)

A specialized type of retinal ganglion cells (neurons) identified by characteristic temporal-frequency responses that differ from other retinal ganglion neurons known as P cells (Benardete et al, 1999).

For related information see also: Cell types, Cell lines in Cytokine Research, Cell culture.

LAST MODIFIED: September 2005

REFERENCES: Benardete EA and Kaplan E et al The dynamics of primate M retinal ganglion cells. Visual Neuroscience 16(2): 355-368 (1999)

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(-4-)

see: Mauthner cells (Mauthner neurons)

For related information see also: Cell types, Cell lines in Cytokine Research, Cell culture.

ENTRY COMPLETED

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(-5-)

This term is used occasionally for mesentery-derived mesothelial cells. See: mesothelial cells.

For related information see also: Cell types, Cell lines in Cytokine Research, Cell culture.

ENTRY COMPLETED

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(-6-)

Depending upon circumstances, the term M cells may simply be a reference to any cell type shown to be in the M phase of the cell cycle.

ENTRY COMPLETED

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