MUC5AC and infection: Degradation of mucin glycans is possible through the activity of bacterial glycoside hydrolases that remove monosaccharides in a stepwise manner.21 This sequential breakdown of glycans leads to thinning of the mucus layer resulting in contact between the gut microbiota and host, leading to conditions such as ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, and infections.5,22,23 The gut microbiota degrades colonic mucin glycans and utilizes the saccharides as a nutrient source particularly in conditions of limited dietary intake.