Page 118 - Read Online

Gutierrez et al. Microbiome Res Rep 2023;2:36 Microbiome Research
DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2023.37
Reports

Review Open Access

Bifidobacterium and the intestinal mucus layer

Alyssa Gutierrez 1 , Brenton Puckett 1 , Melinda A. Engevik 1,2
1
Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
2
Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Correspondence to: Dr. Melinda A. Engevik, Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South
Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave, Basic Science Building 601, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. E-mail: engevik@musc.edu

How to cite this article: Gutierrez A, Puckett B, Engevik MA. Bifidobacterium and the intestinal mucus layer. Microbiome Res Rep
2023;2:36. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/mrr.2023.37

Received: 21 Jun 2023 First Decision: 7 Aug 2023 Revised: 21 Aug 2023 Accepted: 13 Sep 2023 Published: 27 Sep 2023

Academic Editor: Francesca Turroni Copy Editor: Pei-Yun Wang Production Editor: Pei-Yun Wang

Abstract
Bifidobacterium species are integral members of the human gut microbiota and these microbes have significant
interactions with the intestinal mucus layer. This review delves into Bifidobacterium-mucus dynamics, shedding
light on the multifaceted nature of this relationship. We cover conserved features of Bifidobacterium-mucus
interactions, such as mucus adhesion and positive regulation of goblet cell and mucus production, as well as
species and strain-specific attributes of mucus degradation. For each interface, we explore the molecular
mechanisms underlying these interactions and their potential implications for human health. Notably, we
emphasize the ability of Bifidobacterium species to positively influence the mucus layer, shedding light on its
potential as a mucin-builder and a therapeutic agent for diseases associated with disrupted mucus barriers. By
elucidating the complex interplay between Bifidobacterium and intestinal mucus, we aim to contribute to a deeper
understanding of the gut microbiota-host interface and pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Bifidobacterium, mucus, intestine, probiotic

INTRODUCTION
Intestinal mucus
The intestine is continually exposed to a multitude of luminal antigens and bacterial components. To
protect itself, the intestinal epithelium harbors specialized cells known as goblet cells, which synthesize and
secrete mucus. The structure of intestinal mucus is intricately designed to form a protective barrier. The

© The Author(s) 2023. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, sharing,
adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, for any purpose, even commercially, as
long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and
indicate if changes were made.

www.oaepublish.com/mrr