Fig. 1

INFLAREs represent a metaplastic cell population with unique transcriptional signatures. INFLAREs originate from intestinal stem cells in response to inflammation-mediated irritation of the epithelial barrier. Although sharing some genetic similarities with native MGNs, epithelial cells and stem cells, INFLAREs distinguish themselves from all three subsets by a unique genetic signature that includes mismatched as well as specific INFLARE genes, a stem cell program and an inflammatory signature. Enhanced levels of chemokines, cytokine-induced inflammatory pathways and antigen-presenting molecules promote the recruitment of T cells and granulocytes suggesting INFLAREs as potential drivers of chronic inflammation and even malignant cell transformation. ACKR1 atypical chemokine receptor 1, INFLARE inflammatory epithelial cell, MGN mucus gland neck cell