Functions as an intestinal M-cell transcytotic receptor specific for type-I-piliated bacteria that participates in the mucosal immune response toward these bacteria. At the apical membrane of M-cells it binds fimH, a protein of the bacteria type I pilus tip. Internalizes bound bacteria, like E.coli and S.typhimurium, from the lumen of the intestine and delivers them, through M-cells, to the underlying organized lymphoid follicles where they are captured by antigen-presenting dendritic cells to elicit a mucosal immune response.
Subcellular locations: Zymogen granule membrane, Secreted, Cell membrane, Apical cell membrane, Membrane raft, Endosome
Secreted, after cleavage, in the pancreatic juice.
Expressed in pancreas (at protein level) (, ). Specifically expressed by M (microfold) cells which are atypical epithelial cells of the intestine (at protein level) .