Skip to main content
Log in

Interactions between the microbiota and the intestinal mucosa

  • Original Communication
  • Published:
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition Submit manuscript

Abstract

The intestinal microflora can be considered as a postnatally aquired organ composed of a large diversity of bacterial cells that can perform different functions for the host. This organ is highly exposed to environmental influences and thus modulated in its composition and functions by external factors, such as nutrition. Specific components of the intestinal microflora, including lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, have been associated with beneficial effects on the host, such as promotion of gut maturation and integrity, antagonisms against pathogens and immune modulation. In addition, the microflora seem to play a significant role in the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and prevention of inflammation. At the present time, the contribution of intestinal epithlial cell in the first line of defence against pathogenic bacteria and microbial antigens has been recognized, in contrast, the interactions of intestinal epithelial cells with commensal bacteria are less understood. The present work summarizes the increasing scientific attention for mechanisms of the innate immune response of the host to different components of the autochthonous microflora and suggests a potential role for selected probiotic bacteria in the regulation of intestinal inflammation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to EJ Schiffrin.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Schiffrin, E., Blum, S. Interactions between the microbiota and the intestinal mucosa. Eur J Clin Nutr 56 (Suppl 3), S60–S64 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601489

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601489

  • Springer Nature Limited

Keywords

This article is cited by

Navigation