Micrograph of germ-free mice colon colonized with 17 strains of human-derived Clostridia.Kenya Honda
An astounding array of microorganisms colonizes the human gut; our large intestines alone are home to 1014 bacteria from more than 1,000 species. Though scientists have long attempted to manipulate these microbial populations to affect health, probiotics have failed to reliably treat disease. However, a new study published today in Nature reports that a blend of specially selected strains of Clostridium bacteria derived from humans can significantly reduce symptoms of certain immune disorders in mice.
“[This work] shows that microbes can influence the balance and architecture of the immune system of their host,” said Sarkis Mazmanian, an immunologist at the California Institute of Technology who did not participate in the research. “I think it has tremendous potential for ameliorating human disease.”
Mammalian gut microbiota—the community ...
