AUTHOR=Du Yixuan , Gao Han , He Chengwei , Xin Shuzi , Wang Boya , Zhang Sitian , Gong Fengrong , Yu Xinyi , Pan Luming , Sun Fanglin , Wang Wen , Xu Jingdong TITLE=An update on the biological characteristics and functions of tuft cells in the gut JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology VOLUME=10 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cell-and-developmental-biology/articles/10.3389/fcell.2022.1102978 DOI=10.3389/fcell.2022.1102978 ISSN=2296-634X ABSTRACT=

The intestine is a powerful digestive system and one of the most sophisticated immunological organs. Evidence shows that tuft cells (TCs), a kind of epithelial cell with distinct morphological characteristics, play a significant role in various physiological processes. TCs can be broadly categorized into different subtypes depending on different molecular criteria. In this review, we discuss its biological properties and role in maintaining homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract. We also emphasize its relevance to the immune system and highlight its powerful influence on intestinal diseases, including inflammations and tumors. In addition, we provide fresh insights into future clinical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies related to TCs.