Akkermansia muciniphila: functional exploration and application progress

Abstract:

As a key group of the gut microbiota that helps maintain intestinal homeostasis, probiotics have attracted significant attention in life science and medical research. Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK), a strictly anaerobic Gram-negative bacterium, has swiftly become a central topic in gut microbiota research owing to its unique metabolic properties and considerable probiotic potential. This review systematically summarizes the discovery, physiological characteristics, and isolation methodologies and screening of AKK, while placing a particular emphasis on its role in preventing and managing a spectrum of human and animal diseases (including tumors, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndromes, and inflammatory bowel diseases), thereby offering novel perspectives and potential targets for disease intervention. Furthermore, this review elucidates the core mechanisms underlying the probiotic functions of AKK. Specifically, AKK exerts beneficial effects on host health and therapeutic effects on diseases primarily through three key pathways: modulating intestinal microecological balance and barrier integrity, regulating systemic metabolic processes and immune responses, and mediating intricate crosstalk between the intestine and multiple extra-intestinal systems. To assess the translational efficiency of AKK, we summarize the current application status of its functional-related proteins and preparations in health, analyze clinical application scenarios and potential, and discuss existing bottlenecks and challenges in industrial application. This review provides a comprehensive theoretical reference and directional guidance for future basic research, application development, and industrialization of AKK.