Nociceptor neurons direct goblet cells via a CGRP-RAMP1 axis to drive mucus production and gut barrier protection. The nociceptor sensory neuron-mucus axis discovered by Yang et al. is triggered by the -calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP ), which activates the receptor activity modifying protein 1 (Ramp1) signaling pathway in intestinal goblet cells inducing mucin-2 production (Figure 1). Keywords: epithelial barriers; goblet cells; mucus layer; neuroimmunology EN epithelial barriers goblet cells mucus layer neuroimmunology 2799 2801 3 10/04/23 20231001 NES 231001 Abbreviations CGRP -calcitonin gene-related peptide MUC mucin Ramp1 receptor activity modifying protein 1 The skin, airways, and gastrointestinal epithelium are physical barriers that protect individuals against environmental threats including toxins, pollutants, pathogens, and allergens. [Extracted from the article]