Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is the scattered lymphoid tissue in the linings of the gut, airways, urinary and genital tracts. It ranges from single lymphoid follicles to organised groups such as the tonsils, Peyer's patches and the lymphoid tissue of the appendix. Together it forms the largest part of the immune system, guarding the surfaces where the body meets the outside world.
| Location | Lamina propria and submucosa of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary and reproductive tracts, as well as the conjunctiva |
|---|---|
| Secretes |
|
Provides the first immune defence at mucosal surfaces, producing secretory IgA and coordinating responses that balance defence against pathogens with tolerance of harmless antigens.
Chronic stimulation of MALT can give rise to MALT lymphoma, a low-grade B cell lymphoma; gastric MALT lymphoma is driven by H. pylori and often regresses after eradication therapy. Gut-associated (GALT) and bronchus-associated (BALT) lymphoid tissue are subsets. Oral and nasal vaccines aim to stimulate MALT to produce protective IgA at mucosal surfaces.
A slow-growing B cell lymphoma arising in mucosal lymphoid tissue, commonly in the stomach in association with H. pylori infection.
The commonest primary immunodeficiency, in which reduced IgA at mucosal surfaces can predispose to respiratory and gut infections.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
