Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue
The mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) (also called mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue) is the diffuse system of small concentrations of lymphoid tissue found in various sites of the body such as the
gastrointestinal tract,
Populated by T cells, which are well-situated to encounter antigens that enter through the intestinal mucous epithelium. Contain B cells, plasma cells, activated TH cells and macrophages in loose clusters.
Components
The components of MALT are sometimes subdivided into the following:
- GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Peyer's patches are a component of GALT found in the lining of the small intestines.)
- BALT (bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue)
- NALT (nose-associated lymphoid tissue)
- LALT (larynx-associated lymphoid tissue)
- SALT (skin-associated lymphoid tissue)
- VALT (vascular-associated lymphoid tissue. A newly recognized entity that exists inside arteries; its role in the immune response is unknown. )
- CALT (conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue in the human eye)
Role in disease
MALT plays a role in regulating mucosal immunity. It may be the site of lymphoma, usually non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A specific entity is the MALT lymphoma linked to Helicobacter pylori in the stomach.
External links
- MALT resource page - Patients Against Lymphoma
- Maltoma
| Immune system: Lymphatic system (Lymph, Lymphocytes) | |
|---|---|
| Primary | Bone marrow - Thymus (Hassall's corpuscles) |
| Secondary: Spleen (blood) | Hilum - Trabeculae - Red pulp (Cords of Billroth, Marginal zone) - White pulp (Periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths) |
| Secondary: Lymph nodes (extracellular fluid) | Subcapsular sinus - Paracortex - Lymph vessels - High endothelial venules |
| Secondary: MALT (mucosa) | GALT - Peyer's patches |
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