Abstract
Epithelia are important surfaces of exchange between the host and its external environment. Their fundamental roles in regulating the physiology of living organisms, is particularly well illustrated by the intestinal epithelium. Related to its function in nutrients absorption, this epithelium represents the largest surface of contact with a complex luminal content, composed of billions of commensal bacteria, as well as potential pathogens or harmful compounds. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanisms involved in the permanent adaptation of the intestinal mucosa to external cues remains a critical question in digestive physiology. This communication will address this question, with a focus on recent results highlighting critical functions of the still poorly known tuft cells as mucosal sentinels. We will first introduce the minimal background on intestinal epithelial physiology for non-specialists readers, and then summarize important studies on the characterisation of these cells and their function in type-2 immunity. Finally, the role of tuft cells in cancer will be discussed in the light of recent reports.