%A Sheng,Yong Hua %A Hasnain,Sumaira Z. %D 2022 %J Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology %C %F %G English %K Mucins,Mucus,Mucosal epithelial cells,pathogen,Microbes,Barrier integrity,Infection,Host Defence %Q %R 10.3389/fcimb.2022.856962 %W %L %M %P %7 %8 2022-June-14 %9 Review %+ Sumaira Z. Hasnain,Immunopathology Group, Mater Research Institute−The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute,Australia,sumaira.hasnain@mater.uq.edu.au %+ Sumaira Z. Hasnain,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland,Australia,sumaira.hasnain@mater.uq.edu.au %# %! Role of Mucins and Mucus in Infectious Disease %* %< %T Mucus and Mucins: The Underappreciated Host Defence System %U https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2022.856962 %V 12 %0 JOURNAL ARTICLE %@ 2235-2988 %X The mucosal surfaces that form the boundary between the external environment and the underlying tissue are protected by a mucus barrier. Mucin glycoproteins, both secreted and cell surface mucins, are the major components of the barrier. They can exclude pathogens and toxins while hosting the commensal bacteria. In this review, we highlight the dynamic function of the mucins and mucus during infection, how this mucosal barrier is regulated, and how pathogens have evolved mechanisms to evade this defence system.