Paneth cells, so-called because they were first described by Dr. Josef Paneth in 1888, are pyramidal cells, with the nucleus in the basal position, and with large granules in the apical position. Its first isolated specific product was the lysozyme, a bactericidal substance, by Alexander Flemming. These cells play an important role in innate immunity in the small intestine, producing a wide diversity of antimicrobial peptides and enzymes such as lysozyme itself, cryptidines, defensins and a lectin with bactericidal properties.
