RESUMEN
AIM: The role of mucus-binding protein (MUB) on the adhesion activity and immunomodulatory effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus. MATERIALS & METHODS: The current research mainly focuses on the adhesion and immune function of MUB from L. acidophilus. The structural characteristics and adhesion properties of MUB were analyzed in the intestinal cell models. RESULTS: MUB can promote the aggregation and formation of a membrane-like morphology in L. acidophilus, which could increase the survival rate of L. acidophilus in gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Furthermore, MUB could trigger immune regulation and intestinal protection through the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway and inhibit the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: MUB of L. acidophilus is an important component involved in bacterial-mucus interactions and immunomodulatory effect in gastrointestinal tract.