Functional specialization of antigen presenting cells in the gastrointestinal tract

Recent advances have highlighted that antigen presentation in the gastrointestinal tract is carried out by different specialized immune and non-immune cells. This is required in order to achieve tolerance towards self and non-self harmless antigens and immunity towards pathogenic microorganisms. In this review we will discuss the role of different players in these responses, including dendritic cells, macrophages, B cells and basophils as professional antigen presenting cells (APCs), and stromal cells and epithelial cells as non-professional APCs. The interaction between these cell types is required for the dynamic regulation of the immune response. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.