Peyer’s patches
Synopsis
Peyer’s patches are small masses of lymphoid tissue found primarily in the ileum, the final part of the small intestine. They are an essential component of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and play a critical role in immune surveillance of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Named after the 17th-century Swiss anatomist Johann Conrad Peyer, these patches are visible as oval or round nodules embedded in the mucosal lining of the intestine.
Each Peyer’s patch contains clusters of immune cells, including B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, macrophages, and specialized antigen-sampling M cells. They work together to detect and respond to potentially harmful microorganisms in ingested food, as well as to maintain tolerance to beneficial microbes and dietary antigens. By producing IgA antibodies and activating immune responses locally, Peyer’s patches help protect the intestinal lining and regulate the composition of the gut microbiome.
Medical Information
Peyer’s patches are central to the intestinal immune system and influence both local and systemic immunity:
-
Immune training: They help educate developing immune cells to distinguish between harmful and harmless antigens.
-
Oral tolerance: They play a role in preventing overreaction to food proteins and commensal (friendly) bacteria.
-
IgA secretion: B cells activated in Peyer’s patches migrate to mucosal sites and secrete immunoglobulin A, which neutralizes pathogens and maintains gut barrier integrity.
Dysfunction or abnormal stimulation of Peyer’s patches has been linked to autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease, and impaired mucosal immunity. They may also be targeted by enteric pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, Yersinia) that exploit M cells to invade the body.
Their number and activity peak during adolescence and decline with age, which may contribute to reduced mucosal immunity in older adults.
Natural Remedies
Probiotics and prebiotics: Support beneficial bacteria and help regulate mucosal immune response.
Glutamine: Nourishes intestinal cells and strengthens the gut barrier.
Zinc: Vital for immune cell function and repair of intestinal tissue.
Vitamin A and D: Key regulators of immune tolerance and mucosal immunity. Colostrum: Contains immune factors that may support GALT development.
Fermented foods: Help maintain a balanced microbiome and enhance immune signaling.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat this condition.
colostrum
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
slippery elm bark
vitamin A
vitamin D
zinc
magnesium