M-cells are specialized cells found in the mucosal immune system. M-cells play important roles in transport of antigen from the lumen of the small intestine to mucosal lymphoid tissues, where processing and initiation of immune responses occur or immunological tolerance. Thus, M-cells act as gateways to the mucosal immune system and this function has been exploited by many invading pathogens. Understanding the mechanism by which M-cells sample antigen will provide a more effective way for the development of M-cell-targeted mucosal vaccines. In this review, the morphology and fuction of M-cells,and their roles in mucosal immunity pathogenesis of infections were discussed.%M细胞是黏膜免疫系统中一种特化的抗原转运细胞,能将抗原由肠腔转运到上皮下的淋巴组织,从而诱导免疫黏膜免疫应答或免疫耐受.因此M细胞被认为是启动黏膜免疫应答的"门户",同时也为许多病原微生物的入侵提供突破口.研究M细胞摄取抗原的机制能为口服疫苗的设计开发提供更有效的途径.本文主要对M细胞的结构功能、M细胞摄取微生物抗原机制等方面作一简要综述.
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