Next-Generation Probiotics: Microflora Intervention to Human Diseases

Abstract

With the development of human genome sequencing and techniques such as intestinal microbial culture and fecal microbial transplantation, newly discovered microorganisms have been isolated, cultured, and researched. Consequently, many beneficial probiotics have emerged as next-generation probiotics (NGPs). Currently, “safety,” “individualized treatment,” and “internal interaction within the flora” are requirements of a potential NGPs. Furthermore, in the complex ecosystem of humans and microbes, it is challenging to identify the relationship between specific strains, specific flora, and hosts to warrant a therapeutic intervention in case of a disease. Thus, this review focuses on the progress made in NGPs and human health research by elucidating the limitations of traditional probiotics; summarizing the functions and strengths of Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bacteroides fragilis, Eubacterium hallii, and Roseburia spp. as NGPs; and determining the role of their intervention in treatment of certain diseases. Finally, we aim to provide a reference for developing new probiotics in the future.

Advances in Brain–Gut–Microbiome Interactions: A Comprehensive Update on Signaling Mechanisms, Disorders, and Therapeutic Implications

“…Through targeted genetic engineering, these probiotics are tailored to exert specific effects on host physiology and health. 118 By introducing or modifying genes within the probiotic strains, researchers can enhance the production of bioactive molecules, metabolites, or therapeutic proteins that have potential implications for human well-being. 118 However, the field also demands rigorous consideration of safety and ethical implications, ensuring that the benefits of genetically modified probiotics are accompanied by a thorough understanding of their potential risks and unintended effects on the microbial ecosystem.…”

Next-Generation Probiotics as Novel Therapeutics for Improving Human Health: Current Trends and Future Perspectives

“…(2) Screening and isolating NGPs: next-generation sequencing (NGS) can be used to screen and isolate NGPs. This process involves isolating potential strains with health benefits and using them as candidates for NGPs [ 12 ]. (3) Functional validation: rigorous functional validation of the new probiotics is necessary to ensure their safety and effectiveness.…”

“…LBPs, on the other hand, are biological products that contain live organisms, applicable to the prevention, treatment, or cure of a disease or condition in humans, and are not vaccines [ 10 ]. These products are derived from next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, and they represent microbial genera and species that have never before been used in the food or pharmaceutical industries [ 12 , 13 ]. NGPs are different from traditional ones in their identification via bioinformatics and/or next-generation sequencing studies, evaluation of their safety and toxicological studies in agreement with novel food regulations, well-defined mode of action, a wide spectrum of microbial genera and species, targeting specific diseases, and potential use as biotherapeutics ( Table 1 ) [ 12 , 14 ].…”

“…These products are derived from next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, and they represent microbial genera and species that have never before been used in the food or pharmaceutical industries [ 12 , 13 ]. NGPs are different from traditional ones in their identification via bioinformatics and/or next-generation sequencing studies, evaluation of their safety and toxicological studies in agreement with novel food regulations, well-defined mode of action, a wide spectrum of microbial genera and species, targeting specific diseases, and potential use as biotherapeutics ( Table 1 ) [ 12 , 14 ]. NGPs are considered potential tools for reducing oxidative stress, modulating inflammatory pathways, and preventing neurodegenerative and viral diseases by regulating the gut microbiome [ 15 ].…”

Roles of Traditional and Next-Generation Probiotics on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

“…Next-generation probiotics (NGPs) are typically identified through advanced methods such as high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. This approach enables the discovery of previously unrecognized probiotic strains that possess unique health-promoting characteristics and mechanisms of action [ 11 , 12 ]. Unlike traditional probiotics, NGPs are characterized by their specific and diverse mechanisms, tailored to address various disease conditions.…”