2′-Fucosyllactose Promotes the Production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Improves Immune Function in Human-Microbiota- Associated Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiota

As a natural prebiotic in human milk, 2 '-fucosyllactose (2 '-FL) is actively used in infant formula (IF). However, the 2 '-FL influence on the improvement of gut microbiota and the regulation of the immune function remains unknown. In this study, human microbiota-associated (HMA) mice were used to demonstrate that feeding 2 '-FL-containing IF was comparable to human milk at levels of immune cytokines (IL-2, IL-9, IL-10, and sIgA) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs, i.e., acetate and propionate). In addition, 2 '-FL increased the abundance of Blautia and Olsenella and improved the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels. The abundance of Blautia and Olsenella positively correlated with the IL-10 levels. 2 '-FL also decreased the abundance of Enterorhabdus and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006 and elevated SCFA levels, showing a negative correlation between these genera and SCFAs. Our findings revealed that feeding 2 '-FL-containing IF drives the levels of cytokines and SCFAs toward human milk levels by shaping the beneficial gut microbiota profile.

Automated summary

Feeding infant formula containing 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) can improve gut microbiota and regulate immune function. 2'-FL increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria Blautia and Olsenella, and enhances the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In addition, 2'-FL decreases the abundance of Enterorhabdus and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006, and increases SCFA levels.