Basics of GI Physiology and Mucosal Immunology

Abstract

Key PointsThe intestine has the largest mucosal surface interfacing with external environment.Tight junctions are pivotal in intestinal barrier function.Gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) serves to prevent harmful antigens from reaching systemic circulation as well as inducing immune tolerance.Intestinal microbiota surpasses the human genome by 140-fold and is critical in the development of GALT.Loss of intestinal barrier function secondary to a dysfunction of the intercellular tight junctions is one of the key ingredients in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.