Postbiotics Implication in the Microbiota-Host Intestinal Epithelial Cells Mutualism

To sustain host health and provide the microbial community with a nutrient-rich environment, the host and gut microbiota must interact with one another. These interactions between commensal bacterial and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) serve as the first line of defense against gut microbiota in preserving intestinal homeostasis. In this microenvironment, the post-biotics and similar molecules such as p40 exert several beneficial effects through regulation of IECs. Importantly, post-biotics were discovered to be transactivators of the EGF receptor (EGFR) in IECs, inducing protective cellular responses and alleviating colitis. The transient exposure to post-biotics such as p40 during the neonatal period reprograms IECs by upregulation of a methyltransferase, Setd1 beta, leading to a sustained increase in TGF- beta release for the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the intestinal lamina propria and durable protection against colitis in adulthood. This crosstalk between the IECs and post-biotic secreted factors was not reviewed previously. Therefore, this review describes the role of probiotic-derived factors in the sustainability of intestinal health and improving gut homeostasis via certain signaling pathways. In the era of precision medicine and targeted therapies, more basic, preclinical, and clinical evidence is needed to clarify the efficacy of probiotics released as functional factors in maintaining intestinal health and preventing and treating disease.

Automated summary

To maintain host health and create a conducive environment for the gut microbiota, the host and gut microbiota interact with each other. These interactions primarily occur between commensal bacteria and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), serving as the primary defense mechanism to preserve intestinal homeostasis. The use of post-biotics, such as p40, positively influences IECs by acting as transactivators of the EGF receptor (EGFR), inducing protective responses and alleviating colitis. Moreover, post-biotics play a role in reprogramming IECs during the neonatal period for sustained protection against colitis in adulthood through regulation of TGF-beta release and expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs).