Immunoepithelial Crosstalk in Regeneration: The Emerging Role of Tuft Cells: A Review

Tuft cells are specialized epithelial cells scattered throughout various mucosal tissues, including the intestine, respiratory tract, and pancreas. Once thought to be rare and functionally inert, tuft cells are now recognized as key chemosensory and immunomodulatory cells with significant roles in maintaining epithelial integrity. Recent studies have revealed their dynamic involvement in tissue regeneration, particularly through interactions with immune cells and local stem cell niches. This review summarizes the current understanding of tuft cell biology and highlights their emerging role in tissue repair across different organ systems. We discuss the signaling pathways, molecular markers, and regenerative potential of tuft cells, as well as their relevance in disease and regenerative medicine.