Immunomodulatory Roles of Polysaccharide Capsules in the Intestine
Samantha Hsieh, Paul M. Allen
Abstract
The interplay between the immune system and the microbiota in the human intestine dictates states of health vs. disease. Polysaccharide capsules are critical elements of bacteria that protect bacteria against environmental and host factors, including the host immune system. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which polysaccharide capsules from commensal and pathogenic bacteria in the gut microbiota modulate the innate and adaptive immune systems in the intestine. A deeper understanding of the roles of polysaccharide capsules in microbiota-immune interactions will provide a basis to harness their therapeutic potential to advance human health.
Topics & Concepts
Immune systemBacteriaBiologyInnate immune systemPolysaccharideMicrobiologyHost (biology)Gut floraAcquired immune systemPathogenic bacteriaCommensalismImmunologyHuman healthMedicineEcologyGeneticsBiochemistryEnvironmental healthGut microbiota and healthClostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens researchProbiotics and Fermented Foods