Host mucosal surfaces and extracellular matrix components

Host mucosal surfaces and extracellular matrix (ECM) components are complex biological structures that serve as the primary interface between the host and the external environment. Mucosal surfaces, lining the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts, consist of an epithelial layer protected by a viscoelastic mucus gel primarily composed of mucin glycoproteins (Bansil & Turner, 2018). The ECM is a non-cellular three-dimensional network of macromolecules, including collagen, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins like fibronectin and laminin, which provide structural support and biochemical signaling to surrounding cells (Frantz et al., 2010). These components play a dual role in human health: they act as a critical defense barrier against pathogens while also serving as the initial attachment sites for bacteria and viruses through specific adhesin-receptor interactions (Patti et al., 1994). In diseases such as cancer, the ECM undergoes significant remodeling to facilitate tumor invasion and metastasis, whereas chronic inflammation can lead to the degradation of mucosal integrity (Westerlund & Korhonen, 1993). Pharmacological intervention often involves agents that modify these structures, such as mucolytics to clear airways or barrier-forming agents to protect gastric mucosa, as well as emerging anti-adhesion therapies designed to block pathogen binding to ECM motifs.

Other names

Mucosal barrierExtracellular matrixECMMucus layerInterstitial matrixBasement membrane

Mucolysis via disulfide bond reduction; Physical barrier formation on mucosal surfaces; Enzymatic degradation of collagen or hyaluronan