Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue
The components of MALT are sometimes subdivided into the following:




It can be also distinguished by level of organization of the tissue: MALT plays a role in regulating mucosal immunity. It may be the site of lymphomas, usually a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A specific entity is the marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (a subtype of which is termed MALT lymphoma). Certain subtypes of marginal zone B cell lymphomas such as those occurring in the stomach are commonly caused by "Helicobacter pylori" infection. Peyer's Patches, groupings of lymphoid follicles in the mucus membrane, monitor the GALT closely to regulate pathogens that traverse through the area. Due to function of M cells in Peyer's Patches, adherence and transport of antigens across a single layer of epithelial cells, it's likely that dysfunction in these structures allow and entry point to pathogens.
Role in disease
Immune responses that occur at mucous membranes are studied by mucosal immunology.