The role of probiotics in personalized therapeutics: Advances in gut microbe-driven interventions
Musaalbakri Abdul Manan
Abstract
ABSTRACT The integration of probiotics into personalized therapeutics is transforming healthcare by aligning microbial therapies with individual genetic, metabolic, and microbiome profiles. Probiotics, live microorganisms conferring health benefits, are increasingly utilized for precision modulation of the gut microbiome. Technological advances in microbiome profiling, metabolomics, and metatranscriptomics have enabled the selection of specific probiotic strains that produce targeted metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which support gut barrier integrity, immune regulation, and host metabolism. Emerging evidence supports the role of personalized probiotics in managing conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases and metabolic syndromes by correcting dysbiosis and restoring microbial balance. Next-generation probiotics (NGPs) and live biotherapeutic products (LBPs), designed for enhanced specificity and function, represent a significant advancement in this field. These novel microbial therapies can influence host gene expression and metabolic networks, offering disease-modifying potential beyond symptom control. As key tools in precision therapeutics, NGPs and LBPs exemplify the shift toward individualized, systems-based approaches. However, challenges remain, including interindividual variability, regulatory hurdles, and the need for robust clinical validation. This review synthesizes current evidence on personalized probiotic strategies and highlights future directions for integrating NGPs and LBPs into clinical practice, advancing their role as next-generation tools in precision health.