IMG 68 (4)

Cryptopatches (CPs)

CPs art loosely organized clisters of approńnateh 1000 cds loeaUd at the base of the intestinal epithelial

CPs are comprised primarily of thrce cdi typ® lineage marker negarivf (lnr)c-kir cells, demlritif ceDs (DCs), and yascular celi adhesion molecule (VCAM)*1⁺ stronal cek

Functions:

1.    Severalstudiessuggestthat CPsaresitesforthe generation ofintraepithełial T lymphocytes.

2.    The lirrc-ki? CP cells may be responsible for organizing lymphoid structures In the intestine, andCPs may be precursors to ILFs