Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2026, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (8): 3363-3377.doi: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-25-00701

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Akkermansia muciniphila: A next-generation gut probiotic supporting neurorepair and functional recovery

Huiwen Yuan1, Jingwei Shi2, 3, Chenlong Gu4, Jinlong Yuan5, Chenlei Huang1, Xiaoning Li1, *, Kailiang Zhou2, *, Jianjun Qi1, *   

  1. 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China; 
    2Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; 
    3Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China; 
    4Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Second People’s Hospital of Huizhou, Huizhou, Guangdong Province, China; 
    5Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
  • Online:2026-08-18 Published:2026-04-23
  • Contact: Xiaoning Li, MD, lixiaoning19702006@126.com; Kailiang Zhou, MD, PhD, zhoukailiang@wmu.edu.cn; Jianjun Qi, MD, PhD, qijianjun@wnmc.edu.cn.
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by the Anhui Province Education Commission Foundation, No. 2023AH040262 (to JQ); the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 82372540 (to KZ); Anhui Province Health Commission Project, No. AHWJ2022b054 (to JQ); Key Project of Wannan Medical College, No. WK2022ZF20 (to JQ); Talent Research Fund Program of The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No. YR20220215 (to JQ).

Abstract: The brain–gut axis is a bidirectional signal transduction system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system that integrates neural, endocrine, and immune functions. In recent years, the role of the intestinal flora in regulating neural function and affecting the progression of different neurological diseases has received increasing attention. Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium of the intestinal flora present in the intestinal mucus layer that can regulate host immunity, the intestinal barrier and neuroimmune homeostasis. In recent years, a growing body of literature has suggested that Akkermansia muciniphila may play beneficial roles in nerve injury and regeneration by regulating brain–gut axis signalling. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest research results on the role of Akkermansia muciniphila in neurological diseases such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. The mechanisms by which Akkermansia muciniphila regulates inflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitters, and short-chain fatty acids are also highlighted. Various Akkermansia muciniphila-based interventions, such as those involving outer membrane proteins, extracellular vesicles, and pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila, are discussed, and their therapeutic potential in restoring intestinal homeostasis, alleviating neuroinflammation, and supporting neuronal repair is explored. Although promising results from animal models have been reported, significant challenges remain in translating these findings into clinical practice and therapeutic applications. The differences in Akkermansia muciniphila colonization efficiency, host responses, and intervention strategies in different disease states limit the results of these studies. In addition, Akkermansia muciniphila may exhibit different mechanisms of action in acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases, and thus more targeted mechanistic studies are needed. Despite these limitations, Akkermansia muciniphila represents a novel and potent pathway for the modulation of the brain–gut axis to support neural repair and functional recovery. By enhancing intestinal barrier integrity and regulating neuroimmunity, Akkermansia muciniphila has broad prospects as a microbial candidate for the treatment of central nervous system diseases. Future research should focus on optimizing the administration method and clinical trials to verify its efficacy, ultimately providing new treatment options in the field of neural regeneration and microbial therapy. 

Key words: Akkermansia muciniphila, brain–gut axis, clinical efficacy, gut microbiota, intestinal barrier, metabolic products, neurodegenerative disease, neuroinflammation, neurological disorders, neurotransmitter