Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Their Effects on the Host and Their Potential as Therapeutic Agents

Abstract

Breastmilk is known to be very important for infants because it provides nutrients and immunological compounds. Among these compounds, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) represent the third most important component of breastmilk after lipids and lactose. Several experiments demonstrated the beneficial effects of these components on the microbiota, the immune system and epithelial barriers, which are three major biological systems. Indeed, HMOs induce bacterial colonization in the intestinal tract, which is beneficial for health. The gut bacteria can act directly and indirectly on the immune system by stimulating innate immunity and controlling inflammatory reactions and by inducing an adaptive immune response and a tolerogenic environment. In parallel, HMOs directly strengthen the intestinal epithelial barrier, protecting the host against pathogens. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms of HMOs in these different compartments and highlight their potential use as new therapeutic agents, especially in allergy prevention.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Bacterial Profile Modulate Infant Body Composition during Exclusive Breastfeeding

“…[ 80 ]. Additionally, HMOs are prebiotic agents that serve as metabolic substrates, modulate the immune system, and inhibit pathogen-host cell interactions [ 82 ]. Indeed, Bifidobacteria and Bacteroides sp.…”

Prebiotic Supplementation During Pregnancy Modifies the Gut Microbiota and Increases Metabolites in Amniotic Fluid, Driving a Tolerogenic Environment In Utero

“…Recently, other key actors involved in human health were identified in the amniotic fluid: human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) (50). These sugars are able to act as prebiotics by inducing the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and acting directly on immune cells (51). We can hypothesis that GOS/Inulin supplementation could modified HMO profiles in the amniotic fluid.…”

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Exhibit Biofilm Eradication Activity Against Matured Biofilms Formed by Different Pathogen Species

“…Both FL isomers have also been shown to reduce the binding of different Gram-negative species (including E. coli and P. aeruginosa ) to intestinal and respiratory epithelial cells ( Weichert et al, 2013 ). These might be associated with an interaction with pathogenic surface structures, such as lectins ( Chemani et al, 2009 ), that are also produced by immune cells and are known HMO receptors (reviewed in Rousseaux et al, 2021 ).…”