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Methanogenic archaea bolster mucosal homeostasis and protect from colitis

Byrd, E. E.; Harris, B. W.; Zhang, H.; Warren, W. E.; Kolli, S. H.; Putelo, A. M.; McGinty, M. T.; Solga, M. D.; Rutkowski, M. R.; Kendall, M. M.

2026-01-19 microbiology
10.64898/2026.01.19.700430 bioRxiv
Show abstract

The intestinal microbiota profoundly shapes host homeostasis and disease, yet the role of Archaea, which comprise [~]10% of the anaerobic gut microbiota, is poorly understood. Here, we find that colonization of germ-free or conventional mice with the human methanogens Methanobrevibacter smithii (MSm) or Methanosphaera stadtmanae (MSt) enhances epithelial regeneration, mucus production, and regulatory T cell accumulation. These methanogens protect against chemically induced colitis, demonstrating a direct and beneficial role for Archaea in maintaining colonic health.

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