follicle associated epithelium

FAE

A specialized epithelial layer overlying the luminal surface of lymphoid follicles in gut-associated lymphoid tissue. It is found in Peyer's patches of the small intestine and appendix in humans and in the intestine and caecal patches in mice. This layer contains specialised M cells and has fewer goblet cells compared to surrounding tissue. This layer plays a crucial role in mucosal immune surveillance.

Tipo Organ
Estructura principal Peyer's patch epithelium
Nombre latino FAE

Preguntas frecuentes

What is the follicle-associated epithelium?
The follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) is a specialized epithelial layer that overlies the luminal surface of lymphoid follicles in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). It is found overlying the Peyer's patches of the small intestine and appendix in humans, and in similar structures in mice. The FAE contains specialized M cells and has fewer goblet cells compared to the surrounding villous epithelium.
Where is the follicle-associated epithelium located?
The follicle-associated epithelium is located on the luminal surface of the intestinal mucosa, specifically covering the dome regions of Peyer's patches in the small intestine (primarily the ileum) and lymphoid follicles in the appendix in humans. It is positioned between the intestinal lumen and the underlying lymphoid follicles.
What is the function of the follicle-associated epithelium?
The follicle-associated epithelium is involved in mucosal immune surveillance. Its M cells are specialized for transcytosis—transporting luminal antigens, microorganisms, and particulate matter from the gut lumen to the underlying lymphoid tissue. This facilitates antigen sampling and presentation to immune cells, contributing to the induction of secretory IgA responses and mucosal immunity.
What conditions may affect the follicle-associated epithelium?
The follicle-associated epithelium may be associated with the pathogenesis of certain enteric infections, as some pathogens (including Salmonella, Yersinia, and poliovirus) are thought to exploit M cells as entry portals. Inflammatory bowel disease and conditions affecting Peyer's patches may also be associated with changes in follicle-associated epithelium structure and function.
How is the follicle-associated epithelium examined?
The follicle-associated epithelium is examined using histological sections of intestinal tissue, where it can be identified overlying lymphoid follicle dome regions. Electron microscopy reveals the characteristic morphology of M cells with their irregular apical surface and intraepithelial lymphocyte pockets. Immunohistochemistry using markers such as GP2 identifies M cells within the FAE.

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.