IL-22 promotes the formation of a MUC17 glycocalyx barrier in the postnatal small intestine during weaning

• DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108757
• Publication Date: 2021-02-17T18:30:49Z
• Authors: Elena Layunta; Sofia Jäverfelt; Brendan Dolan; Liisa Arike; Thaher Pelaseyed
• Keywords: Glycocalyx; Enterocyte; Barrier function; Brush border; Homeostasis

The intestine is under constant exposure to chemicals, antigens, and microorganisms from the external environment. Apical aspects of transporting epithelial cells (enterocytes) form a brush-border membrane (BBM), shaped by packed microvilli coated with dense glycocalyx. We present evidence showing that glycocalyx forms an barrier prevents exogenous molecules live bacteria gaining access BBM. use multi-omics approach investigate function regulation mucins exposed on BBM during postnatal development mouse small intestine. Muc17 identified as major mucin in specifically upregulated IL-22 part defense repertoire weaning. High levels at time weaning reprogram neonatal postmitotic progenitor enterocytes differentiate into Muc17-expressing enterocytes, found adult homeostasis. Our findings propose role for