Intestinal barrier and gut epithelial function

The intestinal barrier and gut epithelial function represent a complex physiological system responsible for maintaining a selective interface between the external environment and the internal milieu. It consists of a physical barrier composed of mucus and epithelial cells, a chemical barrier of antimicrobial peptides, and an immunological barrier involving gut-associated lymphoid tissue [1][3]. The primary molecular components include tight junction proteins like claudins and occludin, which regulate paracellular transport and prevent the translocation of harmful substances [4]. Dysfunction of this barrier, often termed "leaky gut," is implicated in various systemic and gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic disorders [2][5]. Therapeutic strategies aim to reinforce this barrier through the use of growth factors, tight junction modulators, and anti-inflammatory agents to restore selective permeability and reduce systemic inflammation [2].

Other names

Intestinal epithelial barrierGut barrier functionMucosal barrierIntestinal permeability

Drugs targeting this system typically act by stimulating epithelial cell proliferation (e.g., GLP-2 analogs), modulating tight junction assembly (e.g., zonulin antagonists), or enhancing the protective mucus layer to restore selective permeability and reduce systemic inflammation [1][2][5].