Global Experts Set Standards for Gut Microbiome Research

New review highlights best models and therapies to advance microbiome-based treatments for chronic illnesses

• Nutrition, Microbiome and Immunity
• Department of Infection and Immunity

A global panel of experts, including Dr. Mahesh Desai from the Dept. of Infection & Immunity, has published new consensus guidelines for studying and treating diseases linked to the gut microbiome. Published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, the report highlights the best preclinical models and therapeutic strategies for translating microbiome research results into clinical practice.

The gut microbiome has been implicated in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and liver disease. However, proving a causal relationship remains a major scientific hurdle. The Human Microbiome Action Consortium, an EU funded support network, used a survey to assess expert’s opinions on the strengths and limitations of models such as germ-free mice, organoids, and organ-on-a-chip systems.

The consensus found that no single model is sufficient, and that combining complementary systems is key. Dietary interventions and pre/postbiotics were widely endorsed as promising therapies, while probiotics and fecal microbiota transplants received mixed support.

“This consensus is critical for aligning research across different labs and making findings more clinically relevant to accelerate the development of effective, personalized microbiome-based therapies,” said Dr. Mahesh Desai, co-author of the report.

The authors call for better standardization, multiomics integration, and investment in models more reflective of human biology.