Mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) (MOS)

Mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) are a class of complex carbohydrates derived primarily from the cell wall of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae [1, 4]. They function as potent prebiotics by selectively promoting the growth of beneficial gut microflora, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, while acting as "pathogen decoys" that competitively bind to mannose-specific lectins (e.g., Type-1 fimbriae or FimH) on the surface of pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli and Salmonella [3, 5, 10]. This binding prevents the attachment of pathogens to the host's intestinal or urothelial epithelium, facilitating their clearance from the body [6, 13]. Beyond their role in the gut, MOS interact with host immune cells through pattern recognition receptors, most notably the mannose receptor (CD206) and certain Toll-like receptors (TLRs), to enhance innate immunity and modulate the production of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines [11, 12, 17]. Clinically, MOS are utilized in nutritional therapy and are under investigation for their ability to prevent gastrointestinal infections, manage urinary tract infections, and improve metabolic health [10, 15, 18].

Other names

Manno-oligosaccharidesMannooligosaccharidesOligomannoseGlucomannooligosaccharidesYeast mannan

Inhibition of bacterial colonization by competitive binding to mannose-binding lectins (FimH) on pathogenic fimbriae; selective stimulation of probiotic bacterial growth; and activation of host immune signaling via interaction with CD206 and TLR receptors on macrophages and dendritic cells.