Shear-Labile Interaction Polymers reduce inflammation in mucin-deficient murine model.
The mucus barrier, which lines the gastrointestinal tract, plays a pivotal role in mediating the microbiome-gut interface, selectively permeating nutrients, and preventing the passage of pathogens and toxins. This study evaluated Shear-Labile Interaction Polymer (SLIPs), a novel synthetic mucin, for its stability, safety, and efficacy in restoring the gut barrier and reducing inflammation. In wild-type mice, SLIPs showed no adverse effects and maintained microbiome stability. In Agr2-/- mice, a mucus-deficient model, SLIPs significantly improved weight, clinical scores, and histological markers of inflammation while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and CXCL5. Additionally, SLIPs promoted a balanced gut microbiome by increasing beneficial short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and reducing pathogenic species. These findings suggest that SLIPs are a promising therapeutic approach for enhancing gut barrier integrity and mitigating inflammation in gastrointestinal diseases, offering a stable and effective alternative to natural mucins.