Akkermansia muciniphila: A key player in gut microbiota-based disease modulation

Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), a mucin-degrading bacterium residing in the gut's mucus layer, has emerged as a key modulator of host physiology with significant implications for health and disease. Growing evidence shows that A. muciniphila influences host metabolism, strengthens gut barrier integrity, modulates microbial composition, and regulates immune responses. This review synthesizes current literature on A. muciniphila, emphasizing its role in conditions such as metabolic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), cancer, cardiovascular disease, and aging. In metabolic disorders, A. muciniphila improves insulin sensitivity, reduces adiposity, and…