Intestinal Flossing Keeps Pathogens at Bay

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) are tissue-resident immune cells that surveil the intestine and provide the first line of defense against pathogens. Reporting in Cell, van Konijnenburg et al. (2017) combine high-resolution microscopy and intersectional genetic tools to provide a detailed characterization of IEL dynamics in response to both commensal and pathogenic microorganisms. Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) are tissue-resident immune cells that surveil the intestine and provide the first line of defense against pathogens. Reporting in Cell, van Konijnenburg et al. (2017) combine high-resolution microscopy and intersectional genetic tools to provide a detailed characterization of IEL dynamics in response to both commensal and pathogenic microorganisms.