Immune system and microbiome in the esophagus: implications for understanding inflammatory diseases
Tanay Kaymak, Petr Hrúz, Jan Hendrik Niess
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is the largest compartment of the body's immune system exposed to microorganisms, structural components and metabolites, antigens derived from the diet, and pathogens. Most studies have focused on immune responses in the stomach, the small intestine, and the colon, but the esophagus has remained an understudied anatomic immune segment. Here, we discuss the esophagus' anatomical and physiological distinctions that may account for inflammatory esophageal diseases.
Topics & Concepts
Immune systemEsophagusGastrointestinal tractMicrobiomeStomachBiologySmall intestineImmunologyGut microbiomeBioinformaticsAnatomyBiochemistryEosinophilic EsophagitisGastroesophageal reflux and treatmentsHelicobacter pylori-related gastroenterology studies