IEL

Intraepithelial lymphocytes. Special immune cells found in the mucosa, e.g. in the gastrointestinal tract and in the reproductive tract. As soon as they encounter proteins that they consider a potential danger, e.g. bacteria or allergens, they react by killing infected cells. The number of intraepithelial lymphocytes is elevated in ongoing inflammation, e.g. in celiac disease.

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