Therapeutic Horizons of Oligosaccharides: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Microbiology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026 | Viewed by 3102
Special Issue Editors
2. Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), 18014 Granada, Spain
3. Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix", Center of Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n. Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain
Interests: nutrition and dietetics nutritional; biochemistry; pharmacy; cell biology; molecular biology; immunology; regulation of the gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; pathogens; enzymology and biotechnology
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Oligosaccharides, a diverse class of complex carbohydrates, play a crucial role in modulating host–microorganism interactions across a wide range of biological contexts. These structurally intricate molecules influence the immune response and key microbial processes such as adhesion, biofilm formation, immune evasion, and intercellular communication, including quorum sensing. Derived from both natural and synthetic sources, oligosaccharides can mimic host glycans, disrupt the expression of virulence factors, and alter microbial community dynamics, thereby interfering with colonization and pathogenic behavior in various microorganisms.
Recent advances in glycomics, microbiology, and biomedical sciences have highlighted oligosaccharides as promising candidates for the development of novel therapeutic strategies, particularly in the fight against multidrugresistant (MDR) pathogens. Their ability to inhibit pathogen attachment, attenuate virulence, and modulate the microbiome without exerting the selective pressure that drives antimicrobial resistance makes them attractive alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have been extensively studied for their protective functions in early life, exhibiting strong antiadhesive and immunomodulatory properties against enteric and respiratory pathogens. Moreover, advancements in glycoengineering have enabled the synthesis of bioactive oligosaccharide analogs with enhanced therapeutic potential, supporting the development of precision-based antimicrobial approaches.
In addition to their antimicrobial effects, oligosaccharides have demonstrated a capacity to modulate inflammatory responses, particularly within the intestinal environment. Certain oligosaccharides can influence immune cell signaling and cytokine production, helping to restore intestinal homeostasis and reduce inflammation. For example, specific prebiotic oligosaccharides have been shown to downregulate proinflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, while promoting anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10. These immunomodulatory effects are often mediated through interactions with gut-associated lymphoid tissue and modulation of the gut microbiota, highlighting their potential in managing inflammatory bowel diseases and other gut-related disorders.
This Special Issue explores the multifaceted roles of oligosaccharides in host–microbe interactions and immune signaling, with a focus on their structural diversity, mechanisms of action, and translational applications. We welcome original and innovative research on oligosaccharide-mediated modulation of immune responses, antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties, glycoengineering, microbiota modulation, and clinical implementation.
This Special Issue aims to enhance our understanding of how oligosaccharides influence intestinal barrier function and susceptibility to infection, with the goal of informing the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic approaches for common systemic and intestinal diseases and emphasizing their promise in next-generation biomedical interventions.
Prof. Dr. Abdelali Daddaoua
Dr. María Núñez-Núñez
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- oligosaccharides
- bacterial infection
- multidrug-resistant
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