The mucosa is the protective mucus layer lining the intestines - the gut's first line of defence. Produced by goblet cells this layer houses a specialised microbial community and acts as a communication interface between gut bacteria and immune cells. Mucosa thickness depends on a healthy microbiome: bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila stimulate mucus production while dysbiosis and chronic inflammation thin this layer and increase vulnerability to infection and leaky gut.
