Host gut microbiota and intestinal mucosa

The host gut microbiota and intestinal mucosa represent a complex, symbiotic interface essential for maintaining human health and systemic homeostasis [1]. The intestinal mucosa acts as a physical and immunological barrier, consisting of a mucus layer, epithelial cells, and underlying immune tissues, which segregates the host from the dense microbial community within the lumen [2]. The gut microbiota interacts with this barrier by fermenting dietary fibers into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which serve as a primary energy source for colonocytes and modulate mucosal immune responses [3]. Disruption of this axis, often characterized by microbial dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability, is a central driver in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and metabolic disorders [4]. Therapeutic strategies targeting this system include the use of probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to restore microbial balance, as well as pharmacological agents like aminosalicylates that promote mucosal healing and barrier integrity [5]. Understanding the cross-talk between microbial metabolites and host mucosal receptors remains a primary focus for developing novel precision medicines for chronic inflammatory conditions [6].

Other names

Gut-mucosal interfaceIntestinal barrier-microbiota axisGastrointestinal microbiome and mucosaGut-immune axisMucosal barrier

Modulation of microbial diversity and composition, enhancement of epithelial tight junction protein expression, regulation of mucosal pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and restoration of the protective mucus layer and short-chain fatty acid production.