Defence and adaptation mechanisms of the intestinal epithelium upon infection

The intestinal epithelium is a monolayer of polarized columnar cells that act as border between the host and its environment are first line defence against luminal microbes. In addition to providing physical barrier, possesses multitude active mechanisms fight invading pathogens regulate composition spatial distribution commensals. different epithelial cell types have unique functions in this context, crosstalk with immune system further modulates their intricate antimicrobial responses. organized into clonal crypt units high cellular turnover driven by stem located at base. There increasing evidence anatomical organization, turnover, lineage determination processes essential for barrier maintenance. These can be modulated microbes directly or responses enteric pathogens, resulting rapid efficient adaptation environmental perturbations, injuries, infections. Here we discuss complex host-microbial interactions shape mucosa how maintains re-establishes homeostasis after infection.