AUTHOR=Saravanan Chinnashanmugam , Gopinath Nandana Karrath , Ganesan Raja , Thirumurugan Durairaj 

TITLE=Challenges and limitations in using bacterial metabolites as immunomodulators

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1535394

DOI=10.3389/fcimb.2025.1535394

ISSN=2235-2988

ABSTRACT=Harnessing the immunomodulatory potential of bacterial metabolites opens up exciting possibilities for treating various immune-related disorders. However, turning this potential into a reality presents significant challenges. This review investigates these challenges, focusing on discovery, production, characterization, stability, formulation, safety, and individual variability limitations. The limited bioavailability of many metabolites, as well as potential improvements along with the potential for off-target effects and the importance of precise targeting, are emphasized. Furthermore, the complex interactions between gut bacterial metabolites and the microbiome are investigated, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches. We conclude by discussing promising advances in metagenomics, metabolomics, synthetic biology, and targeted delivery systems, which hold out hope for overcoming these limitations and paving the way for the clinical translation of bacterial metabolites as effective immunomodulators.