Akkermansia muciniphila and host interaction within the intestinal tract

In the modern world, metabolic syndrome is one of the major health problems. Heredity, overeating, and a sedentary lifestyle are believed to be the main predisposing factors for its development. However, recent data indicate that gut microbiota plays a significant role in metabolic profile formation. In 2004, Derrien et al. isolated and characterized the bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila, which lives mainly in the human intestine and has the ability to utilize intestinal mucin. It proved to be a good candidate for the role of a new-generation probiotic due to its ability to improve the laboratory and physical indicators associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in mice and humans. In this review, we describe the basic microbiological characteristics of this bacterium, its main habitats, clinical effects after oral administration, and different ways of influencing the digestive tract. All these data allow us to understand the mechanism of its beneficial effects, which is important for its future introduction into the treatment of the metabolic syndrome. [Display omitted] •Akkermansia muciniphila is an abundant member of the human gut microbiota.•A. muciniphila has shown the ability to prevent metabolic syndrome development and reduce its symptoms.•A. muciniphila degrades intestinal mucin, regulating immune response and tissue regeneration.•A. muciniphila strengthens the intestinal barrier, protecting the host from lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia.•A. muciniphila has a small pro-inflammatory activity that keeps the immune system active in healthy people.