The intestinal
tract is the largest interface between an animal and its environment,
and is colonized by up to 400 species of commensal bacteria at
densities reaching 1011 organisms/ml of luminal fluid. Gut-associated
lymphoid tissue (GALT), including Peyer’s patch, constitutes the
largest mass of immune cells in the body and provides specific host
defense. Peyer’s patches are discrete areas of organized lymphoid
tissue with defined B and T lymphocyte areas and are located in the
lamina propria and submucosa of the small intestine. The Peyer’s patch
lacks an overlying brush border, mucoid glycocalyx, and hydrolytic
enzymes characteristic of absorptive epithelium. Due to its specialized
structure, adaptation for antigen sampling, and the induction of immune
responses, the jejunal Peyer’s patch-containing mucosa is more
susceptible to pathogen invasion and uptake and is the ideal intestinal
tissue in which to examine the full range of gut-associated lymphoid
tissue immune function.
The Murtaugh Lab is committed to improving gut immunity through the
examination of the porcine Peyer's patch and the immediate immune
response to pathogen challenge.
Current Mucosal
Immunology Research:
