[HTML][HTML] Mucins in the mucosal barrier to infection

SK Linden, P Sutton, NG Karlsson, V Korolik… - Mucosal …, 2008 - Elsevier
The mucosal tissues of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, reproductive, and urinary tracts, and
the surface of the eye present an enormous surface area to the exterior environment. All of
these tissues are covered with resident microbial flora, which vary considerably in
composition and complexity. Mucosal tissues represent the site of infection or route of
access for the majority of viruses, bacteria, yeast, protozoa, and multicellular parasites that
cause human disease. Mucin glycoproteins are secreted in large quantities by mucosal …