The Role of Mast Cells in Intestinal Immunophysiology

Immunophysiology of the gut is the study of the regulation/modulation of its function by immune cells and factors. Fluid secretion is a key function of the intestine which aids digestion by maintaining the lumenal contents in a liquid state, promoting mixing of nutrients with digestive enzymes which are then presented to the absorptive epithelial cells. Fluid secretion is also a host defence mechanism of mucosa that serves to wash away noxious …