Mechanobiological Approach for Intestinal Mucosal Immunology

Abstract

The intestinal epithelium is a highly dynamic space composed of several cell types, each with distinct functions that contribute to gut maintenance and homeostasis. Intestinal epithelial cells include enterocytes for nutrient absorption, Paneth cells that secrete antimicrobial peptides, goblet cells for mucus secretion, enteroendocrine cells for hormone release, and intestinal stem cells for proliferation. They interact with each other to maintain intestinal epithelial barrier function. The extracellular matrix and several mechanical forces such as shear stress, compression, and stretching influence their function, and the dysregulation of their function contributes to intestinal diseases. Understanding the interplay between intestinal epithelial cells and mechanical forces could help in the development of new therapeutic strategies for intestinal diseases.