USE OF RANKL TO INDUCE DIFFERENTIATION OF MICROFOLD CELLS (M CELLS)

摘要

The differentiation of microfold (M) cells is important in mucosal immunity. The differentiation of M cells is desirable, such as in situations in which a host response to an antigen is sub-optimal, or wherein increased uptake of a compound is desired. Methods are provided herein for increasing a mucosal immune response. The methods include selecting a subject in need of an increased mucosal immune response and administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of RANKL or another agonist of RANK, wherein the administration of RANKL or administration of an agonist of RANK results in the differentiation of M cells in the intestine or in another mucosal epithelium. The antigen can be a vaccine antigen. Methods are also provided for increasing drug delivery to a mucosa. The methods include administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of RANKL or an agonist of RANK and a therapeutically effective amount of a drug. In some examples, the drug is included in a particle or a bacteria, such as a Lactococcus.