Distinct spatial organization governs oral mucosal immunity

Immune responsiveness at barrier surfaces is tailored to the exposures of each tissue. In the oral mucosa, mechanisms by which a permeable epithelium coexists with diverse microbiota and maintains integrity during inflammatory pathology remain poorly understood. We compile a multiomics spatial map of this exposed mucosal microenvironment and uncover remarkable immune zonation with organization that is preserved even during inflammatory disease. At the tooth interface, we identify a dynamic epithelium underlined by a layer of neutrophils and a zone of antigen-presenting cell-lymphocyte aggregates. During disease, inflammatory zones expand and organize into immature tertiary lymphoid structures, suggesting local…

• DO
  Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
• NE
  National Eye Institute
• NI
  National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

  Awards: R00DE032747, R01DE030927