The enigma of the lower gut‐associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Issue 2 (21st May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Butler, John E.; Sinkora, Marek
• Is Part Of: Journal of leukocyte biology. Volume 94:Issue 2(2013)
• Page Start: 259
• Page End: 270
• Publication Date: 2013-05-21
• Subjects: B lymphocytes -- lymphogenesis -- B cell development -- mucosal immunity -- Peyerˈs patches; Leucocytes -- Periodicals; Reticulo-endothelial system -- Periodicals; 571.96
• DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0313120
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0741-5400

Abstract

Abstract : Review of specialized hind‐gut lymphoid tissue, and its necessity for systemic B cell development/diversification early in life. Abstract : Artiodactyls possess GALT that appears in fetal life and is located at the extreme end of the ileum. These IPP contain mostly B cells and involute early in postnatal life. Rabbits have a similarly located lymphoid organ, called the sacculus rotundus. Studies in sheep and rabbits have led to the concept that the lower hindgut GALT represents primary lymphoid tissue for B cells and is necessary for normal B cell development, analogous to the bursa of Fabricius. This review traces the history of the observations and theories that have led to the existing concept concerning the role of lower GALT. We then review recent data from piglets with resected IPP that challenges the concept that the IPP is primary B cell lymphoid tissue and that artiodactyls and rabbits are members of the GALT group in the same context as gallinaceous birds. Eliminating the IPP as the primary lymphoid tissue for B cells leads to the hypothesis that the IPP acts as first‐responder mucosal lymphoid tissue.