Abstract

The gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) plays a pivotal role in orchestrating mucosal immunity and maintaining homeostasis within the gastrointestinal tract. This complex network of lymphoid structures encompasses various components such as Peyer’s patches, isolated lymphoid follicles, and mesenteric lymph nodes, collectively contributing to immune surveillance, antigen sampling, and tolerance induction at the mucosal interface. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying GALT function is crucial for elucidating its role in health and disease. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current perspectives on the role of GALT in mucosal immunity, emphasizing its contributions to immune responses, barrier integrity, and microbial-host interactions.