Modulation of Pectin on Mucosal Innate Immune Function in Pigs Mediated by Gut Microbiota

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Prebiotics like pectin (PEC) regulate gut microbiota, enhancing gut health.
• Beneficial gut microbes stimulated by prebiotics produce metabolites that improve mucosal immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of apple pectin on the gut microbiome and mucosal immunity in pigs.
• To analyze the interactions between pectin, microbial metabolites, microbiome composition, and host immune responses.

Main Methods:

• Pigs were fed diets with or without 5% apple pectin for 72 days.
• Analysis included gut microbiota, cytokine expression, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and barrier function in the ileum and cecum.
• Integrative and network analyses were used to assess host-microbiome interactions.

Main Results:

• Pectin consumption reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18) and NF-κB signaling.
• Mucin (MUC2, TFF) expression and secretory IgA (sIgA) content were upregulated.
• Pectin modulated specific bacterial genera (Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, Oscillibacter, Lawsonia) and butyrate production, correlating with immune responses.

Conclusions:

• Apple pectin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in the gut mucosa of pigs.
• Pectin modulates the host microbiome, leading to improved mucosal immune status and gut health.