<P> "These cells synthesize and secrete substantial quantities of antimicrobial peptides and proteins . More recent studies have determined that these antimicrobial molecules are key mediators of host - microbe interactions, including homeostatic balance with colonizing microbiota and innate immune protection from enteric pathogens . Perhaps more intriguing, Paneth cells secrete factors that help sustain and modulate the epithelial stem and progenitor cells that cohabitate in the crypts and rejuvenate the small intestinal epithelium ." </P> <P> Small intestinal crypts house stem cells that serve to constantly replenish epithelial cells that die and are lost from the villi . </P> <P> Protection of these stem cells is essential for long - term maintenance of the intestinal epithelium, and the location of Paneth cells adjacent to stem cells suggests that they play a critical role in defending epithelial cell renewal . </P> <P> Paneth cells sense bacteria via MyD88 - dependent toll - like receptor (TLR) activation which then triggers antimicrobial action . </P>

In the diagram below identify the panth cell