Mucus, commensals, and the immune system. (31st December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Qing; Maynard, Craig L.
• Is Part Of: Gut microbes. Volume 14:Isuse 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12-31
• Subjects: Colon mucus layer -- mucus-associated bacteria -- anti-commensal IgA -- anti-commensal IgG -- T-dependent -- T-independent -- flagellin -- lachnospiraceae; Gastrointestinal system -- Microbiology -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Intestine, Small -- Periodicals; 616.3
• DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2041342
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1949-0984

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The immune system in the large intestine is separated from commensal microbes and comparatively rare enteric pathogens by a monolayer of diverse epithelial cells overlaid with a compact and adherent inner mucus layer and a looser outer mucus layer. Microorganisms, collectively referred to as the mucus-associated (MA) microbiota, physically inhabit this mucus barrier, resulting in a dynamic and incessant dialog to maintain both spatial segregation and immune tolerance. Recent major findings reveal novel features of the crosstalk between the immune system and mucus-associated bacteria in health and disease, as well as disease-related peripheral immune signatures indicative of host responses to these organisms. In this brief review, we integrate these novel observations into our overall understanding of host-microbiota mutualism at the colonic mucosal border and speculate on the significance of this emerging knowledge for our understanding of the prevention, development, and progression of chronic intestinal inflammation.