Gastrointestinal microbiota and mucosa

The gastrointestinal microbiota and mucosa constitute a complex biological system essential for maintaining systemic homeostasis and immune regulation. The microbiota comprises a diverse community of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, while the mucosa acts as a multi-layered barrier consisting of epithelial cells, a mucus layer, and underlying immune cells (Thursby & Juge, 2017, Biochem J). This system is responsible for the fermentation of non-digestible dietary fibers into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the synthesis of vitamins, and the competitive exclusion of pathogenic microorganisms (Lynch & Pedersen, 2016, NEJM). Furthermore, the intestinal mucosa facilitates oral tolerance by preventing inappropriate immune responses to commensal microbes and food antigens while maintaining the ability to mount defenses against pathogens (Belkaid & Hand, 2014, Cell). Dysfunction within this system, often characterized by reduced microbial diversity (dysbiosis) and increased epithelial permeability, is a hallmark of numerous pathologies, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and metabolic syndrome (Turner, 2009, Nat Rev Immunol). Pharmacological and therapeutic interventions targeting this environment include probiotics and prebiotics to modulate microbial composition, as well as aminosalicylates and biologics designed to promote mucosal healing and restore barrier integrity (Okumura & Takeda, 2017, Exp Mol Med).

Other names

Gut microbiomeIntestinal floraGastric mucosaIntestinal barrierGut-microbiota-mucosa axis

Modulation of microbial populations, restoration of epithelial barrier function, suppression of mucosal inflammation, and competitive inhibition of pathogens.