Abstract
Enteric tuft cells are chemosensory epithelial cells gaining attention in the field of host-parasite interactions. Expressing a repertoire of chemosensing receptors and mediators, these cells have the potential to detect lumen-dwelling helminth and protozoan parasites and coordinate epithelial, immune, and neuronal cell defenses against them. This review highlights the versatility of enteric tuft cells and sub-types thereof, showcasing nuances of tuft cell responses to different parasites, with a focus on helminths reflecting the current state of the field. The role of enteric tuft cells in irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal viral infection is assessed in the context of concomitant infection with parasites. Finally, the review presents pertinent questions germane to understanding the enteric tuft cell and its role in enteric parasitic infections. There is much to be done to fully elucidate the response of this intriguing cell type to parasitic-infection and there is negligible data on the biology of the human enteric tuft cell—a glaring gap in knowledge that must be filled.
Highlights
Parasitic helminths and protozoa that infect the intestine have a range of deleterious effects in humans, companion animals and domestic livestock across the globe [1,2,3]
We review the features that place enteric tuft cell (ETC) at a potentially critical nexus in hostparasite interactions: (i) exploring the crosstalk between ETC-derived mediators with other cell types coordinating the host immune responses; (ii) describing the range of tuft cell sensing during parasitic infections; and, (iii) exploring the potential links between ETCs, gastrointestinal diseases and enteric parasites
From a relatively obscure beginning based on morphological descriptions, recent years have seen the enteric tuft cell take center-stage as a sensor of intestinal parasites—mainly helminths – and as an important component of the initiation sequence to mobilize an effective anti-parasite response
Summary
Parasitic helminths and protozoa that infect the intestine have a range of deleterious effects in humans, companion animals and domestic livestock across the globe [1,2,3]. In other endoderm-derived organs, tuft cells share similar gene expression patterns, yet they may perform specific roles that cater to their niche: thymic tuft cells may be involved in educating T cells and influencing the development of Natural Killer T cells and B cells [39,40]; tracheal tuft cells coordinate mucociliary clearance responses to bacterial peptides [41]; pancreatic tuft cells have been described in mouse models of ductal metaplasia where their production of prostaglandins suppresses tumorigenesis [18,42] These examples of organ- or tissue-specific roles of tuft cells support the postulate that ETC phenotype and activity is context-dependent and may vary based on the parasitological stimulus
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
