Intestinal microbiota and mucosal barrier

The intestinal microbiota and mucosal barrier constitute a multi-component biological system that serves as the primary interface between the host and the external environment. The microbiota comprises a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that perform critical metabolic functions, such as the fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates into short-chain fatty acids (Marchesi et al., 2016, Nature). The mucosal barrier provides a physical and immunological shield, utilizing a mucus layer and epithelial tight junctions to prevent the translocation of pathogens and toxins into the systemic circulation (Vancamelbeke & Vermeire, 2017, Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology). Disruptions in this system, characterized by dysbiosis or increased permeability, are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes (NIH, 2023). Pharmacological interventions aim to restore this balance through microbial modulation using probiotics or antibiotics, or by enhancing barrier integrity via tight junction regulators like Larazotide acetate (PubMed, 2021).

Other names

Gut microbiomeIntestinal floraGut barrierIntestinal permeabilityIntestinal mucosaGastrointestinal microbiota

Modulation of microbial diversity, restoration of epithelial tight junction integrity, and regulation of mucosal immune signaling.