Investigations of Bacteroides spp. towards next-generation probiotics

Probiotics play important roles on sustaining or reconstructing the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota, which is one of the key factors in alleviating diseases and maintaining the healthy condition of the host. Preclinical trials indicate that Bacteroides genus is widely considered as source of novel beneficial candidates for attenuating inflammation by regulating lymphocytes and cytokine expression, controlling metabolism and preventing cancer. Furthermore, the first case of authorization of Bacteroides xylanisolvens in food by the European Commission opens the gate for further investigation and application of this promising community. With this paper, we summarized current investigations of discovering beneficial Bacteroides strains, exploring their interaction mechanisms with the host, and evaluating the potential safety risks during commercialization.