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Intraepithelial lymphocyte
Intraepithelial lymphocytes
(IEL) are
lymphocytes
found in the
epithelial
layer of mammalian mucosal linings, such as the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract
and
reproductive tract
. However, unlike other
T cells
, IELs do not need priming. Upon encountering antigens, they immediately release
cytokines
and cause killing of infected target cells. In the GI tract, they are components of
gut-associated lymphoid tissue
(GALT).
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