#Facultyseminar: Visualizing the Dynamics of Epithelial Phagocytosis: From Homeostasis to Defense

Phagocytosis by immune cells enables the removal of defective cells and pathogens. Epithelial cells also exhibit phagocytic activity, playing essential roles in various tissues, including the intestine and lungs. Despite its significance in infectious, inflammatory, and degenerative diseases, the dynamics of epithelial phagocytosis in natural environments remain poorly understood due to the challenges of capturing these events in adult tissues. We have identified a highly efficient epithelial tissue for phagocytic clearance in early zebrafish, mouse, and human embryos. Quantitative live imaging reveals the dynamics of this process across biological scales, from molecular interactions to tissue patterns. Our findings suggest that this epithelium maintains homeostasis and provides defense against infections in early embryos before the immune system is established