Rational consideration of Akkermansia muciniphila targeting intestinal health: advantages and challenges

Abstract

As one of the promising next-generation probiotics (NGPs), Akkermansia muciniphila, a well-known mucin-degrading bacterium, has been proven to be closely related to the metabolic diseases of its human host. However, the role of A. muciniphila in the host's intestinal health remains ambiguous. Here, we comprehensively summarize and discuss the characteristics, the distribution, and the colonization of A. muciniphila in the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT). We propose that the application of A. muciniphila as a biomarker for longevity, for diagnostics and prognostics of intestinal diseases, or for intestinal health should be cautiously considered. Precise dietary regulation can mediate the treatment of intestinal diseases by altering the abundance of A. muciniphila. Although the beneficial role of A. muciniphila and its component in intestinal inflammation has been discovered, in gnotobiotic mice with specific gut microbiota, certain genotype, and colorectal cancer, or in animal models infected with a specific pathogen, A. muciniphila may be related to the occurrence and development of intestinal diseases. Genomic analysis, emphasizing the strain-level phylogenetic differences of A. muciniphila, indicates that a clear description and discussion of each strain is critical before its practical application. Our review provides much needed insight for the precise application of A. muciniphila.

Fig. 1. The abundance and role of A. muciniphila with spatial and temporal change in the GIT.

a The distribution of A. muciniphila along the GIT (small and large intestine) and in the lumen and mucosal layer. b The schematic diagram of A. muciniphila abundance changing with age in the human and mouse GIT. c The mechanisms of A. muciniphila ameliorating aging in mice. All figures are created with Biorender.com.

Fig. 2. The possible mechanisms of A. muciniphila regulating intestinal barrier summarized according to existing references.

All figures are created with Biorender.com.

Fig. 3. The possible mechanisms of A. muciniphila regulating intestinal immunity in host with intestinal inflammation and colon cancer.

All figures are created with Biorender.com.

Fig. 4. A schematic diagram of workflow on the precise application of NGP.

All figures are created with Biorender.com.