Eosinophils drive intestinal remodelling and innate defence in reproduction - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #eosinophils
- #intestinal remodeling
- #innate defense
- Eosinophils accumulate in the small intestine during pregnancy and peak during lactation, independent of infection or inflammation.
- Eosinophils promote goblet cell differentiation intrinsically in stem cells, leading to increased mucus production and intestinal remodeling.
- This remodeling strengthens innate defense, limiting pathogen entry and providing protection against enteric bacterial infections, especially during lactation.
- The intestinal remodeling and enhanced innate defense can persist for weeks after lactation ceases.
- The findings highlight a tissue-specific immune adaptation in reproduction that contrasts with systemic immune tolerance, potentially evolved to protect mothers and offspring in pathogen-rich environments.