Protein controlling gut's protective force field identified: Immune-system receptor encourages growth of bacterial shield during illness

A sugary force field is activated in the gut when our defenses are down to encourage the growth of helpful bacteria and fight over-colonization by harmful micro-organisms, scientists have discovered. Scientists have found that mice who have had the gene IL-22RA1 gene removed are more susceptible to infection because they cannot produce a receptor protein that makes the cells produce sugars. Normally this process coats the surface of the intestine with a sugary substance that encourages the growt...