Akkermansia muciniphila is a new universal probiotic on the basis of live human commensal gut bacteria: the reality or legend?
Contemporary information on biology of Akkermansia muciniphila and the role of these gut mucolytic anaerobic bacteria in physiological functions, metabolic and signaling reactions in human health and diseases are presented in the review. Established by foreign researchers, favorable and negative effects are associated with the presence in these gram-negative bacteria specific surface membrane proteins, the production of certain short-chain fatty acids and endotoxin, as well as with the ability degrading mucin, changing intestinal barrier function and synthesizing some neurotransmitters. Prospects and difficulties of creation of new microbial nutraceuticals and drugs on the basis of living cells of A. muciniphila or their specific low-molecular components and metabolites are considered.