fig2

Figure 2. Representative diagram of Bifidobacterium-goblet cell interactions. (A) Bifidobacterium species can generate acetate, which can elevate MUC2 expression and protein; (B) Bifidobacterium species can also generate varying levels of GABA, which can activate autophagy-driven expulsion of mucus. Through these mechanisms, Bifidobacteria are speculated to positively regulate goblet cells. GABA: B. dentium-generated gamma-aminobutyric acid.