Intestinal microbiota and host mucosal cells

The term "intestinal microbiota and host mucosal cells" describes the densely populated ecosystem of microorganisms in the gut and their interaction with the intestinal mucosal barrier, primarily composed of epithelial and immune cells. The physical and chemical crosstalk between microbes and the mucosa is critical for immune system maturation, maintenance of barrier integrity, nutrient metabolism, and protection against pathogens. Disruption of this balance—through dysbiosis or mucosal barrier dysfunction—can lead to inflammation, infection, metabolic disorders, and predisposition to malignancy[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Because this is a large-scale interaction and not a specific molecule or receptor, it is not typically considered a canonical drug target, but rather a **systemic therapeutic context** or **disease axis** for interventions.

Other names

Gut microbiota–mucosal interfaceMicrobiome–epithelial interactionIntestinal microbial-epithelial crosstalkGut microbiota/mucosal barrier interaction

Modulation of immune responses through microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, indole derivatives) Reinforcement or disruption of epithelial barrier through tight junctions, mucus production, and immune signaling Regulation of T cell differentiation (TH1, TH17, Treg) via microbial antigens and metabolites