HLA-DR expression on M cells overlying Peyer's patches is a common feature of human small intestine. |
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| Authors: | H Nagura H Ohtani T Masuda M Kimura S Nakamura |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Pathology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan. |
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| Abstract: | The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II (HLA-DR) antigens on M cells within follicle-associated epithelial cells (FAE) covering Peyer's patches was analyzed immunohistochemically. HLA-DR antigens were strongly expressed on M cells and cells with dendritic morphology, whereas other FAE covering Peyer's patches showed weak, but definite staining. Dendritic cells were also positive for S-100 protein and IL-1. These findings suggest that M cells as well as dendritic cells within FAE form an antigen-presenting cell system and contribute to the first information releaser for the mucosal immune system. |
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