Mucin

Cell biology

Ecology

Biology

Endocrinology

Intestinal mucosa

Immunity

Biochemistry

Mucosal immunity

Secretion

Immunology

Genetics

Immune system

Epithelium

Microbiology

Internal medicine

Goblet cell

Mucus

Medicine

Chemistry

Journal of Inflammation Research

Abstract: Goblet cells and the mucus they secrete serve as an important barrier, preventing pathogens from invading the mucosa to cause intestinal inflammation. The perspective regarding goblet cells and mucus has changed, with current evidence suggesting that they are not passive but play a positive role in maintaining intestinal tract immunity and mucosal homeostasis. Goblet cells could obtain luminal antigens, presenting them to the underlying antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that induces adaptive immune responses. Various immunomodulatory factors can promote the differentiation and maturation of goblet cells, and the secretion of mucin. The abnormal proliferation and differentiation of goblet cells, as well as the deficiency synthesis and secretion of mucins, result in intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction. This review provides an extensive outline of the signaling pathways that regulate goblet cell proliferation and differentiation and control mucins synthesis and secretion to elucidate how altering these pathways affects goblet functionality. Furthermore, the interaction between mucins and goblet cells in intestinal mucosal immunology is described. Therefore, the contribution of goblet cells and mucus in promoting gut defense and homeostasis is illustrated, while clarifying the regulatory mechanisms involved may allow the development of new therapeutic strategies for intestinal disorders. Keywords: goblet cell, intestinal tract, intestinal barrier, mucosal immunity, cytokine, Mucin2

Role of Goblet Cells in Intestinal Barrier and Mucosal Immunity