Paneth cell

Paneth cells are a type of epithelial cell that contribute to the lining of the small intestine and appendix. They are located at the base of Lieberkuhn glands, which are small tube shaped invaginations in the mucous-membrane lining. They are thought to secrete large quantities of protein material that may have antibacterial functions, as well as peptidase enzyme for protein metabolism. These are stored in secretory granules in the cell, alongside several other molecules such as carbohydrates and zinc. The function of these is currently unknown, as is the secretion pathway.