Host intestinal epithelium and gut ecosystem

The host intestinal epithelium and gut ecosystem constitute a dynamic biological interface essential for nutrient absorption, metabolic regulation, and immune homeostasis [1]. The intestinal epithelium acts as a selective semi-permeable barrier, while the gut ecosystem, or microbiota, consists of a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that interact with host cells [2]. This system is responsible for the primary defense against ingested pathogens and the maturation of the mucosal immune system [3]. Dysregulation of this system, often termed dysbiosis or barrier dysfunction, is a hallmark of various pathologies, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and metabolic syndromes like obesity [4]. Pharmacological interventions often target specific components within this niche, such as the mucosal barrier or microbial metabolites, to restore balance and prevent systemic inflammation [5]. Because it encompasses a vast array of cell types and species, it is characterized as a complex therapeutic environment rather than a discrete molecular target [6]. [1] https://www.nature.com/articles/nrgastro.2014.150 [2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24997038/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3337124/ [4] https://pmj.bmj.com/content/88/1037/145 [5] https://genomemedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13073-016-0303-2 [6] https://bmcgastroenterol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12876-014-0189-7

Other names

Gut microbiome-host interfaceIntestinal mucosal barrierGut-microbiota axisIntestinal ecosystemGastrointestinal niche

Modulation of microbial composition, restoration of epithelial barrier integrity, suppression of mucosal inflammation, and competitive inhibition of pathogens.