Goblet and Paneth Cells: Producers of the Intestinal Barrier

The mammalian intestine is colonized by trillions of microbes. To maintain a symbiotic relationship with these microbes the host creates a chemical barrier between itself and the gut microbiota. This barrier enables a mutually beneficial interaction while limiting microbial invasion into host tissues. The main components of this barrier are mucus and antimicrobial proteins which are secreted from two specialized types of epithelial cells, goblet and Paneth cells. Here, we will discuss the function of these two cell types and explain how they maintain intestinal homeostasis and their role in intestinal inflammation.