Journal of Inflammation Research (Jul 2021)
Role of Goblet Cells in Intestinal Barrier and Mucosal Immunity
Abstract
Songwei Yang1 1, Min Yu2 2 1Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education (Chongqing University), Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Songwei Yang; Min Yu Tel/Fax +8623-653-10296; +8623-687-55705Email [email protected]; [email protected]: Goblet cells and the mucus they secrete serve as an important barrier, preventing pathogens from invading the mucosa to cause intestinal inflammation. The perspective regarding goblet cells and mucus has changed, with current evidence suggesting that they are not passive but play a positive role in maintaining intestinal tract immunity and mucosal homeostasis. Goblet cells could obtain luminal antigens, presenting them to the underlying antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that induces adaptive immune responses. Various immunomodulatory factors can promote the differentiation and maturation of goblet cells, and the secretion of mucin. The abnormal proliferation and differentiation of goblet cells, as well as the deficiency synthesis and secretion of mucins, result in intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction. This review provides an extensive outline of the signaling pathways that regulate goblet cell proliferation and differentiation and control mucins synthesis and secretion to elucidate how altering these pathways affects goblet functionality. Furthermore, the interaction between mucins and goblet cells in intestinal mucosal immunology is described. Therefore, the contribution of goblet cells and mucus in promoting gut defense and homeostasis is illustrated, while clarifying the regulatory mechanisms involved may allow the development of new therapeutic strategies for intestinal disorders.Keywords: goblet cell, intestinal tract, intestinal barrier, mucosal immunity, cytokine, Mucin2
