Work

Akkermansia muciniphila extracellular vesicles: Function and theranostic potential in disease

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Akkermansia muciniphila ( Akk ) has gained significant attention for its role in regulating metabolic health and its impact on diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Studies suggest that the regulatory effects of Akk are primarily realized through its secreted extracellular vesicles ( Akk -EVs), rather than relying solely on the in vivo form. These highly stable bilayer vesicles can regulate physiological and pathological processes in host cells through local or systemic signaling. Unlike direct delivery by live bacteria, Akk -EVs can efficiently deliver a variety of bioactive molecules involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism, lipid homeostasis, intestinal immunity, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity without the risk of infection. Given that natural and engineered EVs are increasingly entering clinical trials, Akk- EVs, with their superior stability and specificity, present a promising therapeutic alternative to live bacterial treatments. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of Akk- EVs in health and disease and discusses their potential applications in precision medicine and clinical therapy, offering new insights into therapeutic strategies for metabolic disorders, cancer, and gut diseases.

Source: LabMed discovery.

DOI: 10.1016/j.lmd.2025.100060

Authors: Yu-di Wang, Wen-long Lin, Shang-yuan Wu, Xiao-jing He, Zi-hao Ou, Lei Zheng

Institutions: Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Extracellular vesicles in disease

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, China National Funds for Distinguished Young Scientists, National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars