Intestinal mucus

Intestinal mucus refers to the hydrated, viscoelastic barrier covering the intestinal epithelium, playing a crucial role in protecting epithelial cells from pathogens, mechanical injury, and harsh luminal contents[1][4][7]. The major structural component is the **gel-forming mucin MUC2**, but many additional proteins such as FCGBP, ClCA1, ZG16, AGR2, and immunoglobulins are present[1][2][3][4]. In the colon, the mucus is organized into two layers: an inner, dense adherent layer that is nearly impenetrable to bacteria and an outer, looser layer that serves as a habitat for commensal microbes[5][6][7]. Intestinal mucus is a *biological hydrogel*, not a single molecule or drug target; it is primarily produced and secreted by **goblet cells** in the epithelium[1][4][7]. Impairments in mucus production or structure are associated with inflammatory bowel disease, susceptibility to infection, and epithelial injury[4][7]. While some drugs are formulated to interact with or penetrate mucus, the mucus itself is **not a canonical drug target** such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but rather an anatomical and functional barrier.

Other names

Intestinal mucus layerIntestinal mucosal barrierIntestinal mucus barrier