In Vivo Evidence on the Emerging Potential of Non-Digestible Oligosaccharides as Therapeutic Agents in Bacterial and Viral Infections

TL;DR

This review explores how non-digestible oligosaccharides may help fight bacterial and viral infections by supporting gut health and directly targeting pathogens.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive in vivo review of non-digestible oligosaccharides' antibacterial and antiviral effects and their mechanisms.

Findings

NDOs can act as decoy receptors and inhibit pathogen growth in vivo.

They modulate the immune system and enhance gut barrier protection against infections.

NDOs show anti-biofilm properties and can bind to bacterial toxins.

Abstract

The issue of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, coupled with the rise in viral pandemics and the slow development of new antibacterial and antiviral treatments, underscores the critical need for novel strategies to mitigate the spread of drug-resistant pathogens, enhance the efficacy of existing therapies, and accelerate the discovery and deployment of innovative antimicrobial and antiviral solutions. One promising approach to address these challenges is the dietary supplementation of non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs). NDOs, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), play a vital role in shaping and sustaining a healthy gut microbiota. Beyond stimulating the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria, NDOs can also interact directly with pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Their antiviral and antibacterial properties arise from their unique interactions with pathogens and their ability to modulate the host’s immune system. NDOs can function as decoy receptors, inhibit pathogen growth, bind to bacterial toxins, stimulate the host immune response, exhibit anti-biofilm properties, and enhance barrier protection. However, a notable gap exists in the comprehensive assessment of in vivo and clinical data on this topic. This review aims to provide an in-depth overview of the in vivo evidence related to the antiviral and antibacterial effects of various NDOs and HMOs, with a focus on discussing their possible mechanisms of action.

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