Unraveling the Role of M-Cells in Nanoparticle Uptake and Transport in the Intestine

Can the nanoparticle be too large to be transported in lymph through M-cells in intestine after uptake?

No, nanoparticles can still be transported through lymph via M-cells in the intestine, even if they are relatively large. M-cells are specialized cells found in the intestinal epithelium that are responsible for the transport of particles, including nanoparticles, from the intestine to the lymphatic system.

M-cells have unique features that allow them to take up and transport particles across the intestinal barrier. These cells possess microfold (M) structures on their apical surface, which are responsible for direct sampling of luminal contents, including bacteria, viruses, and particles.

The size of the nanoparticle can influence its uptake efficiency by M-cells. Smaller nanoparticles generally exhibit higher uptake rates compared to larger nanoparticles due to their ability to penetrate the M-cell layer more easily. However, larger nanoparticles can still be efficiently taken up by M-cells, albeit to a lesser extent.

Once internalized by M-cells, nanoparticles can be transported through the underlying lymphoid tissue, where they can interact with immune cells and potentially elicit immune responses or be transported to distant lymphatic organs. This transport mechanism plays an essential role in immune surveillance and the induction of immune responses against ingested antigens.

Therefore, while smaller nanoparticles may be more efficiently transported through M-cells in the intestine, larger nanoparticles can still be transported via this route, although the efficiency may be slightly reduced.

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