Allograft inflammatory factor 1 is a regulator of transcytosis in M cells

Nat Commun. 2017 Feb 22:8:14509. doi: 10.1038/ncomms14509.

Abstract

M cells in follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) are specialized antigen-sampling cells that take up intestinal luminal antigens. Transcription factor Spi-B regulates M-cell maturation, but the molecules that promote transcytosis within M cells are not fully identified. Here we show that mouse allograft inflammatory factor 1 (Aif1) is expressed by M cells and contributes to M-cell transcytosis. FAE in Aif1-/- mice has suppressed uptake of particles and commensal bacteria, compared with wild-type mice. Translocation of Yersinia enterocolitica, but not of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, leading to the generation of antigen-specific IgA antibodies, is also diminished in Aif1-deficient mice. Although β1 integrin, which acts as a receptor for Y. enterocolitica via invasin protein, is expressed on the apical surface membranes of M cells, its active form is rarely found in Aif1-/- mice. These findings show that Aif1 is important for bacterial and particle transcytosis in M cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens / metabolism
  • Bacterial Translocation
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / deficiency
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Count
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Shape
  • Enterocytes / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Epithelial Cells / ultrastructure
  • Immunity, Mucosal
  • Immunoglobulin A / metabolism
  • Integrin beta1 / metabolism
  • Lactobacillus / physiology
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microfilament Proteins / deficiency
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism*
  • Transcytosis*
  • Yersinia / physiology

Substances

  • Aif1 protein, mouse
  • Antigens
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Integrin beta1
  • Microfilament Proteins