The role of oligosaccharides from human milk and other sources in prevention of pathogen adhesion

Adhesion of pathogens is required for colonization and subsequent development of disease, and when adhered, they are more likely to survive, as their resistance to cleansing mechanisms, bacteriolytic enzymes and antibiotics is higher than in the free state. Therefore, prevention of adhesion at an early stage after exposure of the host should prevent disease. Many oligosaccharides from human milk are considered to be soluble receptor analogues of epithelial cell surface carbohydrates; they display structural homology to host cell receptors and thus function as receptor decoys to which pathogens bind instead of to the host. Most research in this area has focused on human milk oligosaccharides; however, the techniques used can readily be applied to the investigation of oligosaccharides produced in other milk types, e.g., milk of domestic animals. These milk types may therefore become an attractive source of anti-adhesive oligosaccharides with potential for future incorporation into functional foods.