Receptor-mediated antigen targeting into MHC class II-enriched compartments of intestinal epithelial cells – a function of DEC-205 receptors?

Aims: In dendritic cells, DEC-205 receptor-mediated antigen trafficking was shown to target MHC class II-enriched compartments and to increase the efficiency in antigen presentation. The DEC-205 receptor has additionally been identified on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). However its subcellular localisation in IECs and function remains unknown. Here we investigated the modulation of DEC-205 expression in IECs during bacterial colonisation of the gut and intestinal inflammation. Its subcellular expression was analysed particularly in view of associations with compartments relevant for antigen processing and p…