Intestinal epithelial barrier and mucosal integrity (IEB)

The intestinal epithelial barrier and mucosal integrity refer to the complex physical and functional system that separates the internal environment of the body from the external luminal contents of the gastrointestinal tract. This barrier is composed of a mucus layer, a single layer of epithelial cells connected by tight junctions (including claudins and occludin), and an underlying immune system (Vancamelbeke & Vermeire, 2017, Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology). Its primary biological function is to facilitate the selective absorption of nutrients and water while preventing the translocation of pathogens, toxins, and dietary antigens into the systemic circulation (Groschwitz & Hogan, 2009, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology). Dysfunction of this barrier, often termed leaky gut, is a hallmark of various pathologies, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and metabolic disorders (Fasano, 2011, Physiological Reviews). Therapeutic strategies aimed at this system typically focus on strengthening tight junctions, promoting epithelial cell proliferation, or modulating the mucosal immune response to restore homeostasis (Schoultz & Keita, 2020, Cells). Overall, maintaining mucosal integrity is a critical therapeutic goal for treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions of the gut.

Other names

Intestinal mucosal barrierGut barrierIntestinal permeabilityGastrointestinal barrier integrity

The mechanisms of action for drugs addressing this system include the antagonism of zonulin to stabilize tight junctions, the activation of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) receptors to promote mucosal growth, and the stimulation of chloride channels to enhance fluid secretion and barrier repair.