2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL)

2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL) is a prominent trisaccharide and the most abundant human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), representing nearly 30% of the total HMO content in the milk of secretor-positive mothers (Bode, 2012, Glycobiology). It consists of a fucose unit linked to a lactose core via an alpha-1,2-glycosidic bond (PubChem CID 123831). Biologically, 2'-FL functions as a prebiotic by selectively stimulating the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, which are crucial for establishing a healthy neonatal microbiome (Salli et al., 2019, Nutrients). Beyond its prebiotic role, 2'-FL acts as a soluble decoy receptor; its structure mimics the glycan binding sites on intestinal cells, allowing it to bind pathogens like Norovirus, Rotavirus, and Campylobacter jejuni, thereby preventing their attachment and subsequent infection (Weichert et al., 2016, Journal of Biological Chemistry). It also modulates the immune system by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing the integrity of the intestinal barrier (He et al., 2016, Pediatric Research). While 2'-FL is not a traditional therapeutic target like a receptor or enzyme, it is extensively utilized as a bioactive ingredient in infant formulas and is being explored for its potential to treat adult gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (Vandenplas et al., 2018, Nutrients).

Other names

2'-O-fucosyllactose2-fucosyllactosealpha-L-fucopyranosyl-(1->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1->4)-D-glucopyranoseFuc-alpha-1,2-Gal-beta-1,4-Glc

Acts as a prebiotic to selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria and serves as a soluble decoy receptor that mimics host cell surface glycans to prevent pathogen adhesion.