Microbial communities and host mucosal surfaces

Microbial communities and host mucosal surfaces represent a complex biological system rather than a single molecular target. This interface, primarily found in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital tracts, consists of a diverse ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses (the microbiota) interacting with the host's protective mucus layer and epithelial cells (Belkaid & Hand, 2014, Cell). Biologically, this system is essential for maintaining immune homeostasis, synthesizing vitamins, and providing a physical and chemical barrier against pathogenic invasion (Lynch & Pedersen, 2016, NEJM). Dysfunction or imbalance in this system, known as dysbiosis, is a central factor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), metabolic syndrome, and various infections such as Clostridioides difficile (Fan & Pedersen, 2021, Nature Reviews Microbiology). Therapeutic strategies targeting this interface do not typically involve a single receptor-ligand interaction but instead focus on ecological modulation. This includes the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) to restore microbial diversity and reinforce the mucosal barrier (Paone & Cani, 2020, Gut). While promising, targeting this system presents challenges regarding the predictability of community shifts and the risk of systemic translocation of microbes.

Other names

Microbiome-mucosal interfaceMucosal microbiotaGut-mucosal barrierCommensal microbial communitiesMucosal-associated microbiota

Modulation of microbial composition and diversity, enhancement of mucosal barrier integrity, and regulation of host-microbe metabolic signaling through the production of metabolites like short-chain fatty acids.