Abstract
Enteric glia are a large population of peripheral neuroglia that accompany neurons in the enteric nervous system. These cells have diverse functions and engage in bidirectional communication with various cell types, including enteric neurons, immune cells, and possibly the gut microbiota.1, 2 Enteric glia play important roles in maintaining gastrointestinal (GI) homeostasis, and it is thought that alterations in their functions could be pivotal in the development of GI disorders. For instance, gains or losses in glial functions contribute to abnormal gut barrier function, inflammation, immune activation, and motor control. Understanding mechanisms by which enteric glia serve as “guardians” of the mucosal barrier has been an area of considerable interest; however, their involvement in mucosal barrier dysfunction is still debated.3