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Secretions of Paneth, intermediate and goblet cells have been implicated in innate intestinal host defense. We have investigated the role of T cells in effecting alterations in small intestinal epithelial cell populations induced by infection with the nematode Trichinella spiralis. Small intestinal tissue sections from euthymic and athymic (nude) mice, and mice with combined deficiency in T-cell receptor beta and delta genes [TCR(beta/delta)-/-] infected orally with T. spiralis larvae, were examined by electron microscopy and after histochemical and lineage-specific immunohistochemical staining. Compared with uninfected controls, Paneth and intermediate cell numbers increased significantly in infected euthymic and nude mice but not infected TCR(beta/delta)-/- mice. Transfer of mesenteric lymph node cells before infection led to an increase in Paneth and intermediate cells in TCR(beta/delta)-/- mice. In infected euthymic mice, Paneth cells and intermediate cells expressed cryptdins (alpha-defensins) but not intestinal trefoil factor (ITF), and goblet cells expressed ITF but not cryptdins. In conclusion, a unique, likely thymic-independent population of mucosal T cells modulates innate small intestinal host defense in mice by increasing the number of Paneth and intermediate cells in response to T. spiralis infection.

Original publication

DOI

10.1046/j.1365-2249.2001.01589.x

Type

Journal article

Journal

Clinical and experimental immunology

Publication Date

10/2001

Volume

126

Pages

117 - 125

Addresses

Division of Gastroenterology, University of Nottingham, UK.

Keywords

Intestinal Mucosa, Paneth Cells, Intestine, Small, Lymph Nodes, T-Lymphocytes, Animals, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Mice, Knockout, Mice, Mice, Nude, Tartrazine, Fluoresceins, Cyclosporine, Growth Substances, Peptides, Neuropeptides, Muscle Proteins, Mucins, Protein Precursors, Cell Division, Immunity, Mucosal, Genes, T-Cell Receptor, Coloring Agents, Female, Trichinellosis, Trefoil Factor-2, Trefoil Factor-3