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Cell surface polysaccharides in the gut microbiota: occurrence, structure and role.
Victor Laplanche1, Immacolata Speciale2, Cristina De Castro2
1The Food, Microbiome and Health Institute Strategic Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.
Gut Microbes
|September 3, 2025
Summary
Gut bacteria use cell surface polysaccharides like capsular polysaccharide (CPS) and exopolysaccharides (EPS) to interact with the host. These diverse molecules are crucial for bacterial adaptation and influencing immune responses, offering potential health benefits.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- The gastrointestinal tract hosts trillions of symbiotic microorganisms.
- Gut bacteria communicate with host cells via cell surface molecules.
- Cell surface polysaccharides are increasingly recognized for their role in host-microbiota symbiosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure and function of bacterial polysaccharides in the gut.
- To focus on capsular polysaccharide (CPS), cell wall polysaccharides (CWPS), and exopolysaccharides (EPS).
- To examine these polysaccharides from gut commensal and food-derived bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on structurally characterized polysaccharides.
- Analysis of polysaccharides from gut commensal and food-derived bacteria.
- Examination of the role of these glycans in host-microbiota interactions.
Main Results:
- Bacterial polysaccharides exhibit high structural diversity.
- These molecules are vital for bacterial adaptation to the gastrointestinal environment.
- Polysaccharides play a significant role in modulating host immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Gut bacterial polysaccharides are key mediators of the symbiotic relationship.
- The diversity of these glycans presents opportunities for health applications.
- Harnessing gut microbiota glycans could benefit human health.
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