Fig. 2

Schematic representation of the differences in 3-day and 3-week mucus from our studies. Mucus-producing cells: cumulative number of mucus-producing cells in different intestinal regions (D = duodenum, MJ = mid-jejunum, I = Ileum, C = colon) is schematically represented, showing a higher number in 3-week intestines. TGEV diffusion in mucus: diffusion in 3-day mucus was higher as compared to 3-week mucus. TGEV infection blocking by mucus: a smaller number of TGEV-infected cells were observed in the presence of 3-week mucus as compared to 3-day mucus. Mucus rheology: 3-week mucus exhibited more viscosity (η) with an increasing shear rate as compared to the 3-day mucus. Mucus pore size: pore size was more variable and larger in 3-day mucus. Mucus composition: Intensity-based absolute quantitation (iBAQ) of MUC13, MUC2, and APN is schematically represented, which revealed that a higher expression of MUC13 and APN was observed in 3-day mucus while MUC2 was significantly higher in 3-week mucus