Therapeutic Horizons of Oligosaccharides: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

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

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.