Funtion and differentiation of a specialized subset of intestinal epithelial M cells

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Taking advantage of the fact that exogenously administered RANKL induces ectopic M-cell differentiation in murine small intestinal epithelium, we established an evaluation system for M-cell differentiation. By using the system, we have identified the transcription factor Spi-B to be specifically expressed in M cells and essential for their differentiation. Spi-B KO mice, lacking M cells, failed to evoke normal immune responses toward orally infected Salmonella Typhimurium, indicating that antigen uptake by M cells is critical for efficient intestinal immune responses.