Intestinal mucin and epithelial surface structures

Intestinal mucin and epithelial surface structures represent the complex biological interface where the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v exerts its therapeutic effects. The primary component of this target is the mucus layer, largely composed of the glycoprotein Mucin 2 (MUC2), along with the carbohydrate-rich glycocalyx on the apical surface of enterocytes (Johansson et al., 2011). L. plantarum 299v utilizes mannose-specific adhesins to bind to these host structures, which facilitates its colonization and persistence in the gastrointestinal tract (Adlerberth et al., 1996). This binding mechanism is crucial for the probiotic's ability to competitively exclude pathogens, enhance the expression of mucins like MUC2 and MUC3, and maintain the tight junction integrity of the intestinal epithelium (Mack et al., 1999). Clinically, this interaction is leveraged to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other functional gastrointestinal disorders by reducing abdominal pain and bloating (Ducrotté et al., 2012). Furthermore, the interaction helps modulate the local immune system, potentially reducing systemic inflammation (Klarin et al., 2005).

Other names

Intestinal mucosaMucin 2 (MUC2)Mannose-containing glycoproteinsIntestinal epithelial glycocalyxColonic mucus layer

Competitive inhibition of pathogen adhesion and enhancement of mucosal barrier function through mannose-binding and mucin induction (Adlerberth et al., 1996; Mack et al., 1999).