conjunctiva goblet cell
conjunctiva goblet cell
A goblet cell that is part of the conjunctival epithelium, characterized by apical accumulation of mucin granules (containing MUC5AC in humans; Muc5ac/Muc5b in mice). These gel-forming mucins support tear film stability, ocular lubrication, and pathogen defence. The conjunctival goblet cell forms tight junctions with neighbouring epithelial cells via species-specific claudins (claudin-10 in humans, claudin-2 in mice) and regulates immune homeostasis by facilitating soluble antigen transport to dendritic cells through goblet cell-associated antigen passages (GAPs) (Barbosa et al., 2017). The transcription factor SPDEF is essential for its differentiation.