Glycosylation plays a crucial role in shaping host-microbe interactions within the gut, influencing intestinal homeostasis, immune regulation, and microbiota stability. This Research Topic aims to explore the diverse mechanisms through which both host- and microbial glycosylation modulates the gut environment, with a focus on its impact on host immune responses, barrier integrity, and microbial ecology.

The intestinal mucosa is coated with a complex network of glycosylated molecules, including mucins, glycolipids, and glycoproteins, which serve as key mediators of host-microbe communication. Host glycosylation patterns can influence bacterial colonization, immune recognition, and pathogen exclusion. Conversely, gut bacteria have evolved strategies to utilize host-derived glycans as nutrients, modify glycosylation patterns, and evade immune surveillance. Understanding these bidirectional interactions is essential for uncovering novel therapeutic strategies for gut-related diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), metabolic disorders, and alcohol-related liver disease (ALD).

This collection welcomes original research, reviews, and perspectives covering, but not limited to, the following topics:
• The role of glycosylation in shaping gut microbiota composition and function.
• Mechanisms by which bacterial glycosylation influences host immune responses.
• The impact of glycosylation on intestinal barrier function and mucosal immunity.
• Host-derived glycans as metabolic substrates and signaling molecules for gut bacteria.
• Glycoengineering approaches for modulating host-microbe interactions and therapeutic interventions.

By bringing together cutting-edge research in glycosylation and gut microbiology, this Research Topic aims to provide novel insights into the molecular crosstalk at the gut microbiota-host interface, paving the way for innovative microbial-based therapies and precision medicine approaches.

We invite researchers from microbiology, immunology, glycobiology, and related fields to contribute their latest findings and perspectives to this Research Topic.

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Glycosylation at the Interface of Gut Microbes-Host Interaction