Methods and compositions for microbial engraftment

Abstract

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for therapeutic administration of compositions to treat comorbidities associated with intestinal dysbiosis. The present disclosure also provides compositions and methods for increasing the engraftment of administered microorganisms. The present disclosure also provides methods for stool sample collection. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of isolated and purified butyrate-producing microorganisms, wherein the engraftment of the butyrate-producing microorganisms in a subject is increased in the presence of mucin-degrading microorganisms in the subject.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] cross reference This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 700,682, filed July 19, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] The microbiome can play an important role in maintaining the physiological functions of the body. Microbiome dysbiosis can lead to various disorders. Microbial-based therapies can be used to maintain gut health and treat microbiome-related disorders. Deposit of living organisms

[0003] This application contains reference to the deposit of biological material. The following biological material has been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) in Manassas, Virginia, and has the following name, accession number, and date of deposit: Clostridium beijerinckii (PTA-123634, deposited December 14, 2016), and Clostridium butyricum (PTA-123635, deposited December 14, 2016). Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of isolated and purified butyrate-producing microorganisms, wherein engraftment of the butyrate-producing microorganisms in a subject is increased in the presence of mucin-degrading microorganisms in the subject.

[0005] In some embodiments, engraftment is indicated by an increase in the relative abundance of butyrate-producing microorganisms in the subject. In some embodiments, increased engraftment of butyrate-producing microorganisms is indicated by an increase of at least about one order of magnitude in the amount of nucleic acid of butyrate-producing microorganisms in the subject compared to a subject lacking mucin-degrading microorganisms, as measured by qPCR or sequencing. In some embodiments, measuring includes the use of strain-specific primers. In some embodiments, measuring is performed on a stool sample from the subject after administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the stool sample is collected at least 12 hours after administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the stool sample is collected at least 7 days after administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated for engraftment of butyrate-producing microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject. In some embodiments, the butyrate-producing microorganisms and the mucin-degrading microorganisms co-localize in a region of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject. In some embodiments, the region of the gastrointestinal tract is the ileum region, the colon region, or both. In some embodiments, the subject lacks butyrate-producing microorganisms prior to engraftment. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises mucin-degrading microorganisms. In some embodiments, the subject lacks mucin-degrading microorganisms in the absence of the composition. In some embodiments, the butyrate-producing microorganisms only engraft in the presence of the mucin-degrading microorganisms in the composition. In some embodiments, engraftment of the butyrate-producing microorganisms occurs after engraftment of the mucin-degrading microorganisms in the subject. In some embodiments, the butyrate-producing microorganisms do not engraft in the subject in the absence of the mucin-degrading microorganisms. In some embodiments, engraftment of the butyrate-producing microorganisms is increased by at least about 5% in the subject in the presence of the mucin-degrading microorganisms. In some embodiments, the butyrate-producing microorganisms comprise a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium beijerenckii. In some embodiments, the butyrate-producing microorganisms are Clostridium beijerenckii. In some embodiments, the butyrate-producing microorganisms comprise a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Eubacterium hallii.In some embodiments, the butyrate-producing microorganism is Eubacterium hallii. In some embodiments, the butyrate-producing microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium butyricum. In some embodiments, the butyrate-producing microorganism is Clostridium butyricum. In some embodiments, the butyrate-producing microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Bifidobacterium infantis. In some embodiments, the butyrate-producing microorganism is Bifidobacterium infantis. In some embodiments, the mucin-degrading microorganism can grow in a culture medium comprising mucin as a primary energy source. In some embodiments, the mucin-degrading microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Akkermansia muciniphila. In some embodiments, the mucin-degrading microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. In some embodiments, the mucin-degrading microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated for oral delivery. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated as a capsule comprising an enteric coating, wherein the capsule does not substantially release the butyrate-producing microorganism before reaching the intestinal region of the subject. In some embodiments, the butyrate-producing microorganism and the mucin-degrading microorganism are obligate anaerobes. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a prebiotic. In some embodiments, the prebiotic is inulin. In some embodiments, the composition is substantially free of peanuts, wheat, soybeans, shellfish, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated as a substantially dry powder. In some embodiments, the butyrate-producing microorganism is derived from a non-animal source. In some embodiments, the composition comprises milk. In some embodiments, the composition does not comprise milk.

[0006] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms comprising a first microorganism and a second microorganism, wherein engraftment of the second microorganism in a subject requires engraftment of the first microorganism in the subject.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first microorganism is engrafted in the subject before the second microorganism. In some embodiments, the subject lacks the first microorganism, the second microorganism, or both before engraftment of the first microorganism, the second microorganism, or both. In some embodiments, engraftment occurs in the subject's gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, the first microorganism does not engraft in the absence of the second microorganism in the composition. In some embodiments, engraftment of the first microorganism is indicated by an increase in the relative abundance of the first microorganism in the subject. In some embodiments, engraftment of the second microorganism is indicated by an increase in the relative abundance of the second microorganism in the subject. In some embodiments, engraftment of the second microorganism is indicated by an increase of at least about an order of magnitude in the amount of nucleic acid of the second microorganism in the subject compared to a control subject that has not been administered the composition or that has been administered a composition lacking the first microorganism, as measured by qPCR or sequencing. In some embodiments, measuring comprises the use of strain-specific primers. In some embodiments, measuring is performed on a stool sample from the subject after administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the stool sample is collected at least 12 hours after administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the stool sample is collected at least 7 days after administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated for engraftment of a first or second microorganism in the subject's gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, the first and second microorganisms co-localize in a region of the subject's gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, the region of the gastrointestinal tract is the ileum, the colon, or both. In some embodiments, the first microorganism is a mucin-degrading microorganism. In some embodiments, the mucin-degrading microorganism is capable of growing in a culture medium comprising mucin as a primary energy source. In some embodiments, the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Akkermansia muciniphila. In some embodiments, the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. In some embodiments, the first microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila.In some embodiments, the second microorganism is a butyrate-producing microorganism. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium beijerenckii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Clostridium beijerenckii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Eubacterium hallii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Eubacterium hallii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium butyricum. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Clostridium butyricum. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Bifidobacterium infantis. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated for oral delivery. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated as a capsule comprising an enteric coating, wherein the capsule does not substantially release the butyrate-producing microorganism before reaching the intestinal region of the subject. In some embodiments, the first and second microorganisms are obligate anaerobes. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a prebiotic. In some embodiments, the prebiotic is inulin. In some embodiments, the composition is substantially free of peanuts, wheat, soybeans, shellfish, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second microorganisms are formulated as a substantially dry powder in the composition. In some embodiments, the first and second microorganisms are derived from a non-animal source. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises milk. In some embodiments, the composition is free of milk.

[0008] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms comprising a first microorganism and a second microorganism, wherein engraftment of the second microorganism in the subject occurs after engraftment of the first microorganism in the subject.

[0009] In some embodiments, engraftment of the first or second microorganism is indicated by an increase in relative abundance in the subject. In some embodiments, engraftment of the second microorganism is indicated by an increase of at least about one order of magnitude in the amount of nucleic acid of the second microorganism in the subject compared to a control subject not administered the composition or administered a composition lacking the first microorganism, as measured by qPCR or sequencing. In some embodiments, measuring includes the use of strain-specific primers. In some embodiments, measuring is performed on a stool sample from the subject after administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the stool sample is collected at least 12 hours after administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the stool sample is collected at least 7 days after administration of the composition. In some embodiments, engraftment occurs in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject. In some embodiments, the second microorganism does not engraft in the absence of the first microorganism in the composition. In some embodiments, the first microorganism is a mucin-degrading microorganism. In some embodiments, the mucin-degrading microorganism is capable of growing in a culture medium comprising mucin as a primary energy source. In some embodiments, the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Akkermansia muciniphila. In some embodiments, the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. In some embodiments, the first microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is a butyrate-producing microorganism. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium beijerenckii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Clostridium beijerenckii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Eubacterium hallii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Eubacterium hallii.In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium butyricum. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Clostridium butyricum. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Bifidobacterium infantis. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Bifidobacterium infantis. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated for oral delivery. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated as a capsule comprising an enteric coating, wherein the capsule does not substantially release the butyrate-producing microorganism prior to the intestine of the subject. In some embodiments, the first and second microorganisms are obligate anaerobes. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a prebiotic. In some embodiments, the prebiotic is inulin. In some embodiments, the composition is substantially free of peanuts, wheat, soybeans, shellfish, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second microorganisms are formulated as a substantially dry powder in the composition. In some embodiments, the first and second microorganisms are derived from a non-animal source. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises milk. In some embodiments, the composition does not comprise milk.

[0010] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms comprising a first microorganism, wherein the first microorganism does not engraft in the subject in the absence of a second microorganism in the subject.

[0011] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a second microorganism, wherein the second microorganism is isolated and purified. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is a mucin-degrading microorganism. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is capable of growing in a culture medium comprising mucin as a primary energy source. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Akkermansia muciniphila. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85% sequence identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila. In some embodiments, the first microorganism is a butyrate-producing microorganism. In some embodiments, the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium beijerenckii. In some embodiments, the first microorganism is Clostridium beijerenckii. In some embodiments, the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Eubacterium hallii. In some embodiments, the first microorganism is Eubacterium hallii. In some embodiments, the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium butyricum. In some embodiments, the first microorganism is Clostridium butyricum. In some embodiments, the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Bifidobacterium infantis. In some embodiments, the first microorganism is Bifidobacterium infantis. In some embodiments, engraftment of the first microorganism is indicated by an increase in the relative abundance of the first microorganism in the subject.In some embodiments, engraftment of the first microorganism is indicated by an increase of at least about one order of magnitude in the amount of nucleic acid of the first microorganism in the subject compared to a control subject not administered the composition or administered a composition lacking the second microorganism, as measured by qPCR or sequencing. In some embodiments, measuring includes the use of strain-specific primers. In some embodiments, measuring is performed on a stool sample from the subject after administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the stool sample is collected at least 12 hours after administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the stool sample is collected at least 7 days after administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated for oral delivery. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated as a capsule comprising an enteric coating, wherein the capsule does not substantially release the butyrate-producing microorganism before the subject's intestine. In some embodiments, the first and second microorganisms are obligate anaerobes. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a prebiotic. In some embodiments, the prebiotic is inulin. In some embodiments, the composition is substantially free of peanuts, wheat, soybeans, shellfish, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second microorganisms are formulated as a substantially dry powder in the composition. In some embodiments, the first and second microorganisms are derived from a non-animal source. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises milk. In some embodiments, the composition does not comprise milk.

[0012] In some aspects, the disclosure provides therapeutic compositions for administration to a human subject, the therapeutic composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified population of substantially dried microorganisms comprising a first microorganism and a second microorganism, wherein the population, when administered daily for 28 days to wild-type rats lacking the first microorganism and the second microorganism, results in engraftment of the first microorganism one day after administration and engraftment of the second microorganism seven days after administration in the wild-type rats.

[0013] In some embodiments, engraftment is measured by performing an assay on a stool sample from a wild-type rat. In some embodiments, the assay comprises detecting nucleic acids of the first microorganism and the second microorganism in the stool sample. In some embodiments, the substantially dried population of microorganisms is derived from a non-animal source. In some embodiments, the substantially dried population of microorganisms is viable in a human subject. In some embodiments, the therapeutic composition is substantially free of peanuts, wheat, soybeans, shellfish, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the therapeutic composition comprises milk. In some embodiments, the therapeutic composition does not comprise milk. In some embodiments, engraftment occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, the first microorganism is a mucin-degrading microorganism. In some embodiments, the mucin-degrading microorganism is capable of growing in a culture medium comprising mucin as a primary energy source. In some embodiments, the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Akkermansia muciniphila. In some embodiments, the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. In some embodiments, the first microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is a butyrate-producing microorganism. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium beijerenckii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Clostridium beijerenckii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Eubacterium hallii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Eubacterium hallii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to a 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium butyricum.In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Clostridium butyricum. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Bifidobacterium infantis. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Bifidobacterium infantis. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated for oral delivery. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated as a capsule comprising an enteric coating, wherein the capsule does not substantially release the butyrate-producing microorganism before the intestine of the subject. In some embodiments, the first and second microorganisms are obligate anaerobes. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a prebiotic. In some embodiments, the prebiotic is inulin.

[0014] In some aspects, the disclosure provides therapeutic compositions for administration to a human subject, the therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified population of substantially dried microorganisms comprising a first microorganism and a second microorganism, wherein the population, when administered daily for 28 days to wild-type rats lacking the first microorganism and the second microorganism, results in engraftment of the first microorganism and the second microorganism in the gastrointestinal tract of the wild-type rat, and wherein the second microorganism, when administered as a population of microorganisms lacking the first microorganism, does not engraft in the wild-type rat.

[0015] In some embodiments, engraftment is measured by performing an assay on a stool sample from a wild-type rat. In some embodiments, the assay comprises detecting nucleic acids of the first microorganism and the second microorganism in the stool sample. In some embodiments, the substantially dried population of microorganisms is derived from a non-animal source. In some embodiments, the substantially dried population of microorganisms is viable in a human subject. In some embodiments, the therapeutic composition is substantially free of peanuts, wheat, soybeans, shellfish, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the therapeutic composition comprises milk. In some embodiments, the therapeutic composition does not comprise milk. In some embodiments, the first microorganism is a mucin-degrading microorganism. In some embodiments, the mucin-degrading microorganism is capable of growing in a culture medium comprising mucin as a primary energy source. In some embodiments, the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Akkermansia muciniphila. In some embodiments, the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. In some embodiments, the first microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is a butyrate-producing microorganism. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium beijerenckii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Clostridium beijerenckii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Eubacterium hallii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Eubacterium hallii. In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium butyricum. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Clostridium butyricum.In some embodiments, the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Bifidobacterium infantis. In some embodiments, the second microorganism is Bifidobacterium infantis. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated for oral delivery. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated as a capsule comprising an enteric coating, wherein the capsule does not substantially release the butyrate-producing microorganism before the intestine of the subject. In some embodiments, the first and second microorganisms are obligate anaerobes. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a prebiotic. In some embodiments, the prebiotic is inulin.

[0016] In some aspects, the disclosure provides isolated and purified mucin-degrading microorganisms comprising a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85% sequence identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-6. In some embodiments, the mucin-degrading microorganisms are capable of growing in a culture medium comprising mucin as a primary energy source. In some embodiments, the microorganisms comprise a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-6. In some embodiments, the microorganisms comprise a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 99% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-6. In some embodiments, the microorganisms comprise a 16S rRNA sequence comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-6.

[0017] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method for altering the microbiome in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering a composition of the present disclosure to the subject, thereby altering the microbiome. In some embodiments, the administering step treats a disorder in the subject. In some embodiments, the disorder is a metabolic disorder. In some embodiments, the disorder is type II diabetes. In some embodiments, the disorder is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In some embodiments, the disorder is selected from the group consisting of a metabolic disorder, a skin disorder, a neurological disorder, a dysbiosis, inflammation, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the microbiome is a gut microbiome. In some embodiments, the administering step occurs after completion of an antibiotic regimen. Incorporation by Reference

[0018] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0019] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] Figure 1 depicts illustrative microbiome-related health conditions.

[0021] [Figure 2]Figure 2 illustrates the role of mucin-degrading microorganisms in promoting the engraftment of butyrate-producing microorganisms. Mucin-degrading microorganisms, such as Akkermansia muciniphila, can degrade host mucin to produce sugars that can be used as an energy source by the butyrate-producing microorganisms. In addition, mucin degraders can produce short-chain fatty acids that can be used by the butyrate-producing microorganisms as a substrate for butyrate production. The engraftment of exogenous microorganisms (e.g., microorganisms administered to a subject that can be distinguished from endogenous microorganisms in the subject's microbiome) can provide health benefits.

[0022] [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows data from a rodent study to evaluate the engraftment of the microbial composition of the present disclosure. Strain 1 is a mucin-degrading microorganism, and strains 5, 6, and 8 are butyrate-producing microorganisms. For all groups, the dashed box corresponding to day -1 indicates the baseline (i.e., pre-intervention) sample. For all four study groups, the baseline did not have any false positive hits. This indicated that the nucleic acid probe used for detection was highly specific for detecting only the administered foreign microorganism. In addition, at baseline, the study rats lacked the foreign microorganism administered in the microbial composition.

[0023] [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows data from a rodent study evaluating the engraftment of the disclosed microbial compositions. Strain 1 is a mucin-degrading microorganism, and strains 5, 6, and 8 are butyrate-producing microorganisms. For all groups, the dashed box corresponding to day 34 indicates the washout (i.e., post-intervention) sample. Engraftment of butyrate-producing microbial strain 8 occurred when the microbial composition also included mucin-degrading microbial strain 1 (compare the two right-most facets in the bottom row).

[0024] [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows data from day 2 of a rodent study to evaluate the engraftment of the disclosed microbial composition. Strain 1 is a mucin-degrading microorganism, and strains 5, 6, and 8 are butyrate-producing microorganisms. The microbial composition containing strains 1, 5, 6, and 8 was administered at time 0. The transit time for the microbial composition through the rat's digestive tract was calculated to be within an approximately 8-16 hour window. Strain 1 was detected in rat fecal material prior to the transit time. This indicated potential engraftment by Strain 1 from the previous day's administration. This was confirmed by detection of Strain 1 during the washout period. Therefore, the ratio of the detection signal from the early to late collection time can be used as an engraftment indicator of the administered microorganism.

[0025] [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows data from day 27 of a rodent study evaluating the engraftment of the disclosed microbial compositions. Strain 1 is a mucin-degrading microorganism, and strains 5, 6, and 8 are butyrate-producing microorganisms. The groups shown in the left column of panels were administered strains 1, 5, 6, and 8. The groups shown in the right column of panels were administered strains 5, 6, and 8. Because both microorganisms 1 and 8 engrafted by day 27 of intervention, both had transit times of approximately 8 to 16 hours, but were detected at the 0 and 0 to 8 hour collection time points for the group in the left panel administered strains 1, 5, 6, and 8. Therefore, the ratio of detected signal from the early to late collection time can indicate current engraftment status. This can be beneficial, for example, because methods utilizing a terminal washout period can only report on engraftment status at the end of the study.

[0026] [Figure 7]Figure 7 depicts an overview of an exemplary study design for administration of the microbial compositions of the present disclosure. The total duration of subject participation may be approximately 35 days, with a screening visit occurring 3-7 days prior to the start of administration and a baseline visit on day 0, when consumption occurs. After initial consumption, active participation may extend through day 28. Arrows indicate clinic visits where the subject's medical history may be reviewed at screening, and clinical history may be reviewed on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Stool samples, clinical chemistry, hematology profile, plasma SCFA and / or cytokine panel may be collected at each of these clinic visits.

[0027] [Figure 8] 8 presents illustrative data showing the percentage of specific DNA markers (relative to total DNA) for exogenous microorganisms detected in the fecal material of subjects administered a therapeutic composition of the present disclosure during various stages of treatment. Exogenously administered microorganisms were detected during the washout period in some subjects, demonstrating that engraftment had occurred.

[0028] [Figure 9] 9 depicts an exemplary stool collection device. This device may have three separate components: a stability frame for positioning the collection bucket on the toilet bowl (A); a bar-coded stool collection bucket (B); and a stool bucket lid with a label for collection date and time (C).

[0029] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows microbial growth in selective media for isolating mucin-degrading microorganisms.

[0030] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows the levels of the short chain fatty acids acetate and butyrate produced by the microorganisms of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 12]Figure 12 depicts the stability of illustrative therapeutic compositions. The therapeutic compositions were stored at 4°C or room temperature and the viable cells per gram present over time were measured and compared.

[0032] [Figure 13]13 shows data from a human study evaluating the engraftment of the microbial compositions of the present disclosure. Strain 1 is a mucin-degrading microorganism (e.g., Akkermansia muciniphila); strains 5, 6, 8, and 9 are butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively). Subjects were administered a placebo (top panel), a composition of the present disclosure containing only butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., strains 5, 6, and 9, corresponding to strains of Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively; middle panel), or a composition of the present disclosure containing butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., strains 5, 6, 8, and 9, corresponding to strains of Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively) and mucin-degrading microorganisms (e.g., strain 1, corresponding to Akkermansia muciniphila) (bottom panel) for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Each rectangle represents the relative abundance of the genome of a strain in a stool sample as indicated on the scale. Among subjects receiving only butyrate-producing microorganisms, only two subjects lacking strain 9 at baseline (week 0) demonstrated engraftment of strain 9 at washout (week 16). Among subjects receiving butyrate-producing microorganisms and mucin-degrading microorganisms, seven subjects lacking strain 9 at baseline demonstrated engraftment of strain 9 at washout, demonstrating enhanced engraftment of butyrate-producing microorganisms when administered with mucin-degrading microorganisms. TGMF (target genome mass fraction) = target genome mass fraction.

[0033] [Figure 14]Figure 14 shows data from a human study evaluating the engraftment of the microbial compositions of the present disclosure. Strain 1 is a mucin-degrading microorganism (e.g., Akkermansia muciniphila); strains 5, 6, 8, and 9 are butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively). Subjects were administered a placebo (right), a composition of the present disclosure comprising only butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., strains 5, 6, and 9, corresponding to strains of Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively; center), or a composition of the present disclosure comprising butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., strains 5, 6, 8, and 9, corresponding to strains of Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively) and mucin-degrading microorganisms (e.g., strain 1, corresponding to Akkermansia muciniphila) (left) for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Each rectangle represents the relative abundance of the strain's genome in the stool sample as indicated on the scale. Among subjects receiving only butyrate-producing microorganisms, two subjects lacking strain 9 at baseline (week 0), two subjects lacking strain 6 at baseline, and two subjects lacking strain 5 at baseline demonstrated engraftment of each strain at washout (week 12). Among subjects receiving butyrate-producing microorganisms and mucin-degrading microorganisms, seven subjects lacking strain 9 at baseline, six subjects lacking strain 6 at baseline, and six subjects lacking strain 5 at baseline demonstrated engraftment of each strain at washout. These data demonstrate enhanced engraftment of butyrate-producing microorganisms when administered with mucin-degrading microorganisms.

[0034] [Figure 15-1]15A-B show data from a human study evaluating the engraftment of the microbial compositions of the present disclosure. Strain 1 is a mucin-degrading microorganism (e.g., Akkermansia muciniphila); strains 5, 6, 8, and 9 are butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively). Subjects were administered a composition of the present disclosure containing only butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., strains 5, 6, and 9, corresponding to Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively; upper panel) or a composition of the present disclosure containing butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., strains 5, 6, 8, and 9, corresponding to Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively) and a mucin-degrading microorganism (e.g., strain 1, corresponding to Akkermansia muciniphila) (lower panel) for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Subjects' stool samples were processed, and the presence of the strains was detected by qPCR. Figure 15A shows the fraction qPCR reactions in which the indicated strains were detected at baseline (week 0), week 4 of treatment, week 12 of treatment, and the subsequent 4-week washout period (week 16). Figure 15B shows the fraction qPCR reactions in which the indicated strains were detected at baseline (week 0) and the subsequent washout period (week 16). [Figure 15-2] Same as above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] As used in this specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, "a microorganism" may include a plurality of microorganisms.

[0036] The term "about" or "approximately" means within an acceptable error range for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which depends in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, "about" can mean within 1 or more standard deviations per practice in the art. Alternatively, "about" can mean within a range of up to 20%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% of a given value. Alternatively, the term can mean within an order of magnitude, preferably within 5-fold, and more preferably within 2-fold of a value. When particular values ​​are described in this application and claims, unless otherwise stated, the term "about" meaning within an acceptable error range for the particular value should be assumed.

[0037] The terms "microorganism" and "microorganism" may be used interchangeably herein and may refer to bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes (e.g., protozoa, fungi, yeast), and viruses, including bacterial viruses (i.e., phages). The microorganisms of the present disclosure may be exogenous or endogenous microorganisms. Exogenous microorganisms may be microorganisms not found in the host microbiome. Endogenous microorganisms may be microorganisms present in the host microbiome.

[0038] The terms "microbiome," "microbiota," and "microbial habitat" may be used interchangeably herein and may refer to the ecological community of microorganisms that live on or within a subject. A microbiome may be composed of commensal, symbiotic, and / or pathogenic microorganisms. A microbiome may reside on or within many, if not most, parts of a subject. Non-limiting examples of microbiome habitats may include the body surface, body cavities, body fluids, intestines, colon, skin, skin surface, skin pores, vaginal cavity, umbilical region, conjunctival region, intestinal region, stomach, nasal cavity and nasal passages, digestive tract, genitourinary tract, saliva, mucus, and feces.

[0039] The terms "subject," "individual," "host," and "patient" can be used interchangeably herein and refer to any animal subject, including humans, research animals, livestock, and household pets. A subject can host a variety of microorganisms. A subject may have different microbiomes on / in various habitats on / in their body. A subject may be diagnosed or suspected of being at high risk for disease. A subject may have a microbiome condition (i.e., dysbiosis) that contributes to disease. In some cases, a subject is not necessarily diagnosed or suspected of being at high risk for disease. In some cases, a subject may be suffering from an infectious disease or may be at risk of developing or transmitting an infectious disease to others.

[0040] The terms "treatment" and "treating," as used herein, refer to an approach for obtaining beneficial or desired results, including, but not limited to, therapeutic benefit and / or prophylactic benefit. For example, treatment can include administering a system or cell population disclosed herein. By therapeutic benefit, we mean any treatment-related improvement in, or any treatment-related effect on, one or more diseases, conditions, or symptoms under treatment. For prophylactic benefit, the composition can be administered to a subject at risk of developing a particular disease, condition, or symptom, or to a subject who may not yet have the disease, condition, or symptom, but who reports one or more physiological symptoms of the disease.

[0041] As used herein, "administer," "administering," "administration," and derivatives thereof refer to methods that can be used to enable delivery of an agent or composition to a desired site of biological action. These methods include, but are not limited to, parenteral administration (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, intravascular, intrathecal, intranasal, intravitreal, infusion, and topical injection), transmucosal injection, oral administration, administration as a suppository, and topical administration.

[0042] The term "effective amount" or "therapeutically effective amount" refers to the amount of a composition, e.g., a composition comprising a microorganism of the present disclosure, sufficient to produce a desired activity upon administration to a subject in need thereof. Within the context of the present disclosure, the term "therapeutically effective amount" refers to the amount of a composition sufficient to delay the manifestation of, prevent the progression of, or alleviate or relieve at least one symptom of a disorder treated by the method of the present disclosure.

[0043] The terms "16S," "16S ribosomal subunit," and "16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA)" can be used interchangeably herein and can refer to the small subunit (e.g., 30S) component of the prokaryotic (e.g., bacterial, archaeal) ribosome. 16S rRNA is highly evolutionarily conserved among microorganism species. Therefore, sequencing of the 16S ribosomal subunit can be used to identify and / or compare microorganisms present in a sample (e.g., microbiome).

[0044] The terms "23S," "23S ribosomal subunit," and "23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA)" can be used interchangeably herein and can refer to a component of the large subunit (e.g., 50S) of the prokaryotic (e.g., bacterial, archaeal) ribosome. Sequencing of the 23S ribosomal subunit can be used to identify and / or compare microorganisms present in a sample (e.g., microbiome).

[0045] The term "percent identity (%)" as used herein refers to the percentage of amino acid or nucleic acid residues in a candidate sequence that are identical to those in a reference sequence after aligning the sequences and, if necessary, introducing gaps to achieve the maximum percent identity (i.e., gaps can be introduced into one or both of the candidate and reference sequences for optimal alignment, and non-homologous sequences can be ignored for comparison purposes). Alignment for purposes of determining percent identity can be achieved in a variety of ways within the skill of the art, for example, using publicly available computer software such as BLAST, ALIGN, or Megalign (DNASTAR) software. The percent identity of two sequences can be calculated by aligning a test sequence with a comparison sequence using BLAST, determining the number of amino acids or nucleotides in the aligned test sequence that are identical to amino acids or nucleotides at the same positions in the comparison sequence, and dividing the number of identical amino acids or nucleotides by the number of amino acids or nucleotides in the comparison sequence.

[0046] The term "engraftment," also known as colonization, can occur when a microorganism becomes part of the host's microbiome. Engraftment can result in an increase in the relative abundance of a microorganism in a subject, for example, upon administration of the microorganism. The microorganism engrafted in the subject can be an exogenous microorganism (e.g., a microorganism that the host lacks before administration of the microorganism). Alternatively, the microorganism engrafted in the subject can be an endogenous microorganism (e.g., a microorganism that is already present in the host but that can be administered to increase the concentration of other microorganisms in a composition or to enhance the engraftment of other microorganisms).

[0047] Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for enhancing the engraftment of microorganisms (e.g., exogenous microorganisms). As shown in Figure 1, the microbial compositions can be administered to maintain gastrointestinal health, treat dysbiosis, treat a health condition, or any combination thereof.

[0048] The survival of microorganisms, e.g., microorganisms administered in a microbial composition, can be enhanced by survival-enhancing microorganisms, e.g., mucin-degrading microorganisms. The survival-enhancing microorganisms may be present in the composition, in the subject (e.g., endogenous), or both. Figure 2 illustrates the illustrative role of mucin-degrading microorganisms in enhancing the survival of butyrate-producing microorganisms. Mucin-degrading microorganisms, e.g., Akkermansia muciniphila, can degrade host mucin to produce sugars that can be utilized as an energy source by the butyrate-producing microorganisms. In addition, mucin degraders can produce short-chain fatty acids that can be used by the butyrate-producing microorganisms as a substrate for butyrate production. The survival of the administered microorganisms can then result in butyrate-related health benefits in the subject.

[0049] Illustrative engraftment-enhancing compositions of the present disclosure can include an isolated and purified first microorganism and an isolated and purified second microorganism, where engraftment of the second microorganism in a subject requires, for example, engraftment of the first microorganism prior to engraftment of the second microorganism. The first microorganism can be a mucin-degrading microorganism. The second microorganism can be a butyrate-producing microorganism.

[0050] Another illustrative engraftment-enhancing composition of the present disclosure can include an isolated and purified first microorganism and an isolated and purified second microorganism, where engraftment of the second microorganism occurs after engraftment of the first microorganism. The first microorganism can be a mucin-degrading microorganism. The second microorganism can be a butyrate-producing microorganism.

[0051] Another illustrative engraftment-enhancing composition of the present disclosure can include an isolated and purified first microorganism and an isolated and purified second microorganism, where the second microorganism does not engraft in the absence of the first microorganism. The first microorganism can be a mucin-degrading microorganism. The second microorganism can be a butyrate-producing microorganism.

[0052] The present disclosure also provides compositions and methods for enhancing the engraftment of butyrate-producing microorganisms. Illustrative compositions include isolated and purified butyrate-producing microorganisms, and the engraftment of butyrate-producing microorganisms is increased in the presence of mucin-degrading microorganisms. The mucin-degrading microorganisms can be co-administered with the butyrate-producing microorganisms. The mucin-degrading microorganisms can be administered before the butyrate-producing microorganisms are administered. The mucin-degrading microorganisms can be present in the subject before the butyrate-producing microorganisms are administered.

[0053] The present disclosure also provides methods for isolating mucin-degrading microorganisms. Illustrative methods include using a selective growth medium, e.g., a medium that includes mucin as an energy source.

[0054] The present disclosure also provides methods for stool sample collection. In some cases, stool samples can be collected outside the human body using a mechanical tool or a toilet seat sampling device attachment. In some cases, stool samples can be collected in situ (i.e., inside the human body), for example, by a remotely controlled storage device.

[0055] The present disclosure also provides a method for microbiome profiling to assess microbial survival.Non-limiting exemplary methods include qPCR, sequencing, mass spectrometry and metabolite profiling.For more accurate assessment, various methods of microbiome profiling can be used in parallel to assess sample aliquots from the same biological sample (for example, whole stool sample).

[0056] The compositions of the present disclosure may include mucin-degrading microorganisms. The mucin-degrading microorganisms may be microorganisms capable of degrading mucin. The mucin-degrading microorganisms may be microorganisms capable of growing on a selective growth medium containing mucin as a primary energy source. The mucin-degrading microorganisms may be Akkermansia muciniphila. The mucin-degrading microorganisms may be microorganisms having a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5% sequence identity to a 16S rRNA sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. The mucin-degrading microorganisms may be microorganisms comprising a 16S rRNA sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6.

[0057] The composition of the present disclosure can include butyrate-producing microorganisms. Butyrate-producing microorganisms can be microorganisms that can produce butyrate. Non-limiting examples of butyrate-producing microorganisms include Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium indolis, Eubacterium hallii, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.

[0058] The compositions of the disclosure can include a microorganism that encodes a gene involved in butyrate production, such as butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, beta-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase or 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, crotonase, electron transfer protein a, electron transfer protein b, or thiolase. The compositions of the disclosure can include a microorganism that includes a gene having at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to a gene selected from the group consisting of butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, beta-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase or 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, crotonase, electron transfer protein a, electron transfer protein b, and thiolase.

[0059] The composition of the present disclosure can include a combination of microorganisms for producing butyrate in a subject. For example, the combination can include a first microorganism and a second microorganism. When the first microorganism is provided with an energy source (e.g., fiber), it can produce intermediate molecules (e.g., lactate, acetate, mucin-derived sugars). The second microorganism can convert the intermediate molecules produced by the first microorganism into butyrate. Non-limiting examples of microorganisms that can produce intermediate molecules for butyrate production include Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Bifidobacterium longum. Non-limiting examples of microorganisms that can use intermediate molecules to produce butyrate include Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium indolis, Eubacterium hallii, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. The composition may include at least one microorganism for producing butyrate intermediate molecules and at least one microorganism for converting butyrate intermediates to butyrate. In addition, the composition may include a substrate for the first microorganism that produces butyrate intermediates. In one non-limiting example, the composition may include Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium infantis, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Eubacterium hallii. In another illustrative example, the composition may include Akkermansia muciniphila and Clostridium indolis.In another illustrative example, the composition may include Akkermansia muciniphila and any one or more of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium indolis, and Eubacterium hallii. In another illustrative example, the composition may include Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium infantis. In another non-limiting example, the composition may include Akkermansia muciniphila and Clostridium beijerinckii. In another non-limiting example, the composition may include Akkermansia muciniphila and Clostridium butyricum. In another non-limiting example, the composition may include Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium adolescentis. In another non-limiting example, the composition may include Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium longum. In another non-limiting example, the composition may include Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. In another non-limiting example, the composition may include Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Clostridium indolis. In another illustrative example, the composition may include Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium infantis, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Eubacterium hallii. In another non-limiting example, the composition may include Bifidobacterium longum and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.In another non-limiting example, the composition may include Bifidobacterium infantis, Clostridium beijerinckii, and Clostridium butyricum. In another non-limiting example, the composition may include Bifidobacterium infantis, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Akkermansia muciniphila. In another non-limiting example, the composition may include Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Akkermansia muciniphila. In another non-limiting example, the composition may include Bifidobacterium infantis, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Akkermansia muciniphila. In another non-limiting example, the composition may include Akkermansia muciniphila and Eubacterium hallii.

[0060] The compositions of the present disclosure may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 types of microorganisms, wherein the microorganisms are Akkermansia muciniphila, Anaerostipes caccae, Bacteroides stercoris, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Clostridium acetobutylicum, Clostridium aminophilum, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium colinum, Clostridium coccoides, Clostridium indolis, Clostridium nexile, Clostridium orbiscindens, Clostridium propionicum, Clostridium xylanolyticum, Collinsella aerofaciens, Enterococcus faecium, Eubacterium hallii, Eubacterium rectale, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus caucasicus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Oscillospira guilliermondii, Roseburia cecicola, Roseburia inulinivorans, Ruminococcusfaecis, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Ruminococcus gnavus, Ruminococcus obeum, Stenotrophomonas nitritireducens, Streptococcus cremoris, Streptococcus faecium, Streptococcus infantis, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus thermophilus, Anaerofustis stercorihominis, Anaerostipes hadrus, Anaerotruncus colihominis, Clostridium sporogenes, Clostridium tetani, Coprococcus, Coprococcus eutactus, Eubacterium cylindroides, Eubacterium dolichum, Eubacterium ventriosum, Roseburia faeccis, Roseburia hominis, Roseburia intestinalis, Lacatobacillus bifidus, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacilli, Acidaminococcus fermentans, Acidaminococcus intestine, Blautia hydrogenotrophica, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Citrobacter freundii, Clostridium aminobutyricum Clostridium bartlettii, Clostridium cochlearium, Clostridium kluyveri, Clostridium limosum, Clostridium malenominatum、Clostridium pasteurianum、Clostridium peptidovorans、Clostridium saccharobutylicum、Clostridium sporosphaeroides、Clostridium sticklandii、Clostridium subterminale、ClostridiumThe nucleic acid sequence may comprise an rRNA sequence (e.g., a 16S rRNA, a 23S rRNA, and / or an internal transcribed spacer) comprising at least about 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 99.5% sequence identity to an rRNA (e.g., a 16S rRNA, a 23S rRNA, and / or an internal transcribed spacer) sequence of a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Clostridium symbiosum, Clostridium tetanomorphum, Eubacterium oxidoreducens, Eubacterium pyruvativorans, Methanobrevibacter smithii, Morganella morganii, Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus, and Peptostreptococcus.

[0061] The composition of the present disclosure includes Akkermansia muciniphila, Anaerostipes caccae, Bacteroides stercoris, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Clostridium acetobutylicum, Clostridium aminophilum, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium colinum, Clostridium coccoides, Clostridium indolis, Clostridium nexile, Clostridium orbiscindens, Clostridium propionicum, Clostridium xylanolyticum, Collinsella aerofaciens, Enterococcus faecium, Eubacterium hallii, Eubacterium rectale, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus caucasicus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Oscillospira guilliermondii, Roseburia cecicola, Roseburia inulinivorans, Ruminococcus faecis, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Ruminococcus gnavus, Ruminococcusobeum, Stenotrophomonas nitritireducens, Streptococcus cremoris, Streptococcus faecium, Streptococcus infantis, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus thermophilus, Anaerofustis stercorihominis, Anaerostipes hadrus, Anaerotruncus colihominis, Clostridium sporogenes, Clostridium tetani, Coprococcus, Coprococcus eutactus, Eubacterium cylindroides, Eubacterium dolichum, Eubacterium ventriosum, Roseburia faeccis, Roseburia hominis, Roseburia intestinalis, Lacatobacillus bifidus, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacilli, Acidaminococcus fermentans, Acidaminococcus intestine, Blautia hydrogenotrophica, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Citrobacter freundii, Clostridium aminobutyricum Clostridium bartlettii, Clostridium cochlearium, Clostridium kluyveri, Clostridium limosum, Clostridium malenominatum, Clostridium pasteurianum, Clostridium peptidivorans, Clostridium saccharobutylicum, Clostridium sporosphaeroides、Clostridium sticklandii、Clostridium subterminale、Clostridium symbiosum、Clostridium tetanomorphum、Eubacteriumoxidoreducens, Eubacterium pyruvativorans, Methanobrevibacter smithii, Morganella morganii, Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus, and Peptostreptococcus.

[0062] The compositions of the present disclosure may include one or more microorganisms from a genus selected from the group consisting of Akkermansia, Clostridium, Eubacterium, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium.

[0063] The compositions of the present disclosure may include one or more microorganisms from a family selected from the group consisting of Alcaligenaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Clostridiaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, Erysipelotricaceae, Eubacteriaceae, Incertae-Cedis-XIII, Incertae-Sedis-XIV, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillaceae, Pasturellaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, Prevotellaceae, Rikenellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Streptococcaceae, Veillonellaceae, and Verrucomicrobiaceae.

[0064] The compositions of the present disclosure may include one or more microorganisms from a phylum selected from the group consisting of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, Tenericutes, and Verrucomicrobia.

[0065] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Akkermansia.

[0066] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Bifidobacterium.

[0067] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium.

[0068] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Eubacterium.

[0069] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Verrucomicrobium.

[0070] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from a Firmicute.

[0071] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from a Lactobacillus species. In some cases, the composition does not comprise a Lactobacillus species.

[0072] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms, wherein the population of isolated and purified microorganisms comprises one or more microorganisms having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 87%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus reuteri (e.g., Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, Lactobacillus reuteri L22), Streptococcus mutans, Stenotrophomonas nitritireducens, and any combination thereof. The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus reuteri (e.g., Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, Lactobacillus reuteri L22), Streptococcus mutans, Stenotrophomonas nitritireducens, and any combination thereof.

[0073] The compositions can comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms, wherein the population of isolated and purified microorganisms includes one or more microorganisms having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 87%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Oscillospira guilliermondii, Clostridium orbiscindens, Clostridium colinum, Clostridium aminophilum, Ruminococcus obeum, and any combination thereof. The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Oscillospira guilliermondii, Clostridium orbiscindens, Clostridium colinum, Clostridium aminophilum, Ruminococcus obeum, and any combination thereof.

[0074] The compositions can comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms, wherein the population of isolated and purified microorganisms includes one or more microorganisms having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 87%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium indolis, Eubacterium hallii, and any combination thereof. The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium indolis, Eubacterium hallii, and any combination thereof.

[0075] The compositions can comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms, wherein the population of isolated and purified microorganisms comprises microorganisms having rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequences that comprise at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 87%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to rRNA sequences from a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Akkermansia muciniphila, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and any combination thereof. The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Akkermansia muciniphila, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and any combination thereof.

[0076] The composition can include a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms, wherein the population of isolated and purified microorganisms includes microorganisms having rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA, and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequences that comprise at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 87%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Bifidobacterium infantis, or any combination thereof. The composition can include a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Bifidobacterium infantis, and any combination thereof.

[0077] The compositions can comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms, wherein the population of isolated and purified microorganisms comprises microorganisms having rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequences that comprise at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 87%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to rRNA sequences from a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Eubacterium hallii, Akkermansia muciniphila, or any combination thereof. The composition may comprise a population of isolated and purified microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Eubacterium hallii, Akkermansia muciniphila, and any combination thereof.

[0078] The compositions can comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a population of isolated and purified microorganisms, wherein the population of isolated and purified microorganisms includes one or more microorganisms having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 87%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium indolis, Eubacterium hallii, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and any combination thereof. The composition may comprise a population of isolated and purified microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium indolis, Eubacterium hallii, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and any combination thereof.

[0079] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Akkermansia muciniphila.

[0080] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Anaerostipes caccae.

[0081] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Bifidobacterium adolescentis.

[0082] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Bifidobacterium bifidum.

[0083] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence comprising at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Bifidobacterium infantis.

[0084] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Bifidobacterium longum.

[0085] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens.

[0086] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium acetobutylicum.

[0087] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium aminophilum.

[0088] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium beijerinckii.

[0089] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium butyricum.

[0090] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium colinum.

[0091] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium coccoides.

[0092] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium indolis.

[0093] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium nexile.

[0094] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium orbiscindens.

[0095] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium propionicum.

[0096] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium xylanolyticum.

[0097] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Enterococcus faecium.

[0098] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Eubacterium hallii.

[0099] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Eubacterium rectale.

[0100] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.

[0101] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Fibrobacter succinogenes.

[0102] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Lactobacillus acidophilus.

[0103] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Lactobacillus brevis.

[0104] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Lactobacillus bulgaricus.

[0105] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Lactobacillus casei.

[0106] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Lactobacillus caucasicus.

[0107] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Lactobacillus fermentum.

[0108] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Lactobacillus helveticus.

[0109] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Lactobacillus lactis.

[0110] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Lactobacillus plantarum.

[0111] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Lactobacillus reuteri.

[0112] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

[0113] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Oscillospira guilliermondii.

[0114] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Roseburia cecicola.

[0115] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Roseburia inulinivorans.

[0116] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Ruminococcus flavefaciens.

[0117] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Ruminococcus gnavus.

[0118] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Ruminococcus obeum.

[0119] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Stenotrophomonas nitritireducens.

[0120] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Streptococcus cremoris.

[0121] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Streptococcus faecium.

[0122] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Streptococcus infantis.

[0123] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Streptococcus mutans.

[0124] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Streptococcus thermophilus.

[0125] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Anaerofustis stercorihominis.

[0126] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Anaerostipes hadrus.

[0127] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Anaerotruncus colihominis.

[0128] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium sporogenes.

[0129] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Clostridium tetani.

[0130] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Coprococcus.

[0131] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Coprococcus eutactus.

[0132] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Eubacterium cylindroides.

[0133] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Eubacterium dolichum.

[0134] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Eubacterium ventriosum.

[0135] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Roseburia faeccis.

[0136] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Roseburia hominis.

[0137] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Roseburia intestinalis.

[0138] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from a vinegar-producing microorganism.

[0139] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Lactobacillus bifidus.

[0140] The composition may comprise a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and / or purified microorganism having an rRNA (e.g., 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and / or internal transcribed spacer) sequence that comprises at least about 85%, 87%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or 100% sequence identity to an rRNA sequence from Lactobacillus johnsonii.

[0141] The composition can include a microorganism encoding a butyrate kinase enzyme (e.g., EC 2.7.2.7; MetaCyc Reaction ID R11-RXN). Butyrate kinase is an enzyme that belongs to the family of transferases, e.g., those that transfer phosphorus-containing groups using a carboxyl group as an acceptor (e.g., phosphotransferases). The systematic name for this enzyme class can be ATP:butanoate 1-phosphotransferase. Butyrate kinase can be involved in butyrate metabolism. Butyrate kinase can catalyze the following reaction: [ka]

[0142] The compositions of the present disclosure can include microorganisms having butyrate coenzyme A. Butyrate coenzyme A, also known as butyryl coenzyme A, can be a coenzyme A-activated form of butyrate. Butyrate coenzyme A can be acted upon by butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase and can be an intermediate compound in acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation. Butyrate coenzyme A can be involved in butyrate metabolism.

[0143] The compositions of the present disclosure may include a microorganism encoding a butyrate coenzyme A transferase enzyme. Butyrate coenzyme A transferase, also known as butyrate-acetoacetate CoA transferase, can belong to the family of transferases, for example, CoA transferases. The systematic name for this enzyme class can be butanoyl-CoA:acetoacetate CoA transferase. Other commonly used names include butyryl-CoA-acetoacetate CoA transferase (e.g., EC 2.8.3.9; MetaCyc Reaction ID 2.8.3.9-RXN) and butyryl-CoA-acetoacetate CoA transferase. Butyrate coenzyme A transferase can catalyze the following chemical reaction: [ka]

[0144] Compositions of the disclosure can include a microorganism that encodes acetate-coenzyme A transferase (e.g., EC 2.8.3.1 / 2.8.3.8; MetaCyc Reaction ID BUTYRATE-KINASE-RXN).

[0145] The compositions of the present disclosure can include a microorganism encoding butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase. Butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase can belong to the family of oxidoreductases, e.g., those that act on donor CH-CH groups using other acceptors. The systematic name for this enzyme class can be butanoyl-CoA:acceptor 2,3-oxidoreductase. Other commonly used names include butyryl dehydrogenase, unsaturated acyl-CoA reductase, ethylene reductase, enoyl-CoA reductase, unsaturated acyl-CoA reductase, butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA reductase, and butanoyl-CoA:(acceptor) 2,3-oxidoreductase. Non-limiting examples of metabolic pathways that butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase may be involved in include fatty acid metabolism; valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation; and butanoic acid metabolism.Butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase can utilize one cofactor, FAD.Butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase can catalyze the following reaction: [ka]

[0146] The compositions of the present disclosure can include a microorganism encoding beta-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase. Beta-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase or 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase can belong to the family of oxidoreductases, which can act on a donor CH—OH group using NAD+ or NADP+ as an acceptor. The systematic name for this enzyme class can be (S)-3-hydroxybutanoyl-CoA:NADP+ oxidoreductase. Other commonly used names include beta-hydroxybutyryl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase, L(+)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, BHBD, dehydrogenase, L-3-hydroxybutyryl-coenzyme A (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), L(+)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, and 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase. The beta-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase enzyme can participate in benzoate degradation through co-ligation. The beta-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase enzyme can participate in butanoic acid metabolism. Beta-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase can catalyze the following reaction: [ka]

[0147] The composition of the present disclosure can include a microorganism encoding a crotonase. Crotonase can include, for example, enzymes with dehalogenase, hydratase, and isomerase activity. Crotonase can be involved in carbon-carbon bond formation, cleavage, and thioester hydrolysis. Enzymes in the crotonase superfamily include, for example, enoyl-CoA hydratase, which can catalyze the hydration of 2-trans-enoyl-CoA to 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA; 3-2 trans-enoyl-CoA isomerase or dodecenoyl-CoA isomerase (e.g., EC 5.3.3.8), which can shift the 3-double bond of an intermediate in unsaturated fatty acid oxidation to the 2-trans position; and 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydratase (e.g., crotonase; EC 5.3.3.8), which can be involved in the butyrate / butanol production pathway. 4.2.1.55); 4-chlorobenzoyl-CoA dehalogenase (e.g., EC 3.8.1.6), which can catalyze the conversion of 4-chlorobenzoate-CoA to 4-hydroxybenzoate-CoA; dienoyl-CoA isomerase, which can catalyze the isomerization of 3-trans,5-cis-dienoyl-CoA to 2-trans,4-trans-dienoyl-CoA; naphthoate synthase (e.g., MenB, or DHNA synthetase; EC 4.1.3.36), which can participate in the biosynthesis of menaquinones (e.g., vitamin K2); Escherichia Examples include carnitine racemase (e.g., gene caiD), which can catalyze the reversible conversion of crotonobetaine to L-carnitine in E. coli; methylmalonyl-CoA decarboxylase (e.g., MMCD; EC 4.1.1.41); carboxymethylproline synthase (e.g., CarB), which can be involved in carbapenem biosynthesis; 6-oxocamphor hydrolase, which can catalyze the desymmetrization of bicyclic beta-diketones to optically active keto acids; the alpha subunit of the fatty acid oxidation complex, a multienzyme complex that can catalyze the last three reactions in the fatty acid beta-oxidation cycle; and the AUH protein, which can be a bifunctional RNA-binding homolog of enoyl-CoA hydratase.

[0148] The compositions of the present disclosure can include a microorganism encoding a thiolase. Thiolases, also known as acetyl-coenzyme A acetyltransferases (ACATs), can convert two units of acetyl-CoA to acetoacetyl-CoA, for example, in the mevalonate pathway. Thiolases can include, for example, degradative thiolases (e.g., EC 2.3.1.16) and biosynthetic thiolases (e.g., EC 2.3.1.9). 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolases, also called thiolases I, can be involved in degradative pathways such as fatty acid beta-oxidation. Acetoacetyl-CoA thiolases, also called thiolases II, can be specific for the thiolysis of acetoacetyl-CoA and can be involved in biosynthetic pathways such as polybeta-hydroxybutyrate synthesis or steroidogenesis. Thiolases can catalyze the following reaction: [ka]

[0149] The compositions of the present disclosure may include one or more obligate anaerobes. The microorganism may be an obligate anaerobe that is oxygen-stable.

[0150] Microorganisms of the present disclosure, e.g., oxygen-stable microorganisms, can be stable under atmospheric conditions, e.g., an atmosphere containing at least about 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, or 25% oxygen. Microorganism stability and viability can be monitored for at least about 7, 14, 28, 30, 60, 84, 90, 120, 150, 180, 192, 365, or 730 days. Microorganisms can be stable at temperatures of at least about 0°C, 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, or 30°C. One or more oxygen-stable microorganisms can be viable at 0 parts per million (ppm) oxygen to 100 ppm oxygen. Oxygen-stable microorganisms may be viable in up to 0.1 ppm, 0.2 ppm, 0.3 ppm, 0.4 ppm, 0.5 ppm, 0.6 ppm, 0.7 ppm, 0.8 ppm, 0.9 ppm, 1 ppm, 1.2 ppm, 1.4 ppm, 1.6 ppm, 1.8 ppm, 2 ppm, 2.2 ppm, 2.4 ppm, 2.6 ppm, 2.8 ppm, 3 ppm, 3.2 ppm, 3.4 ppm, 3.6 ppm, 3.8 ppm, 4 ppm, 4.2 ppm, 4.4 ppm, 4.6 ppm, 4.8 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm or 100 ppm oxygen. Oxygen-stable microorganisms may be viable at 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9% or 2% dissolved oxygen (DO).

[0151] The composition can include two or more microbial populations. For example, the composition can include at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, at least 20, at least 21, at least 22, at least 23, at least 24, at least 25, at least 26, at least 27, at least 28, at least 29, at least 30, at least 31, at least 32, at least 33, at least 34, at least 35, at least 36, at least 37, at least 38, at least 39, at least 40, at least 45, or at least 50, or at least 75, or at least 100 different microbial populations (e.g., strains, species, phyla, classes, orders, families, or genera). The composition can include at most 1, at most 2, at most 3, at most 4, at most 5, at most 6, at most 7, at most 8, at most 9, at most 10, at most 11, at most 12, at most 13, at most 14, at most 15, at most 16, at most 17, at most 18, at most 19, at most 20, at most 21, at most 22, at most 23, at most 24, at most 25, at most 26, at most 27, at most 28, at most 29, at most 30, at most 31, at most 32, at most 33, at most 34, at most 35, at most 36, at most 37, at most 38, at most 39, at most 40, at most 45, or at most 50, or at most 75, or at most 100 different microbial populations (e.g., strains, species, phyla, class, orders, families, or genera).

[0152] Composition can comprise synergistic microbial population.Compared with the stability of microorganism alone, combining different microorganisms in composition can increase or help maintain the stability of microorganism in composition.For example, administering a first microorganism can be beneficial to the subject, and administering a second microorganism can be beneficial to the subject, but when administering two kinds of microorganisms to the subject together, the benefit is greater than the benefit of either one alone.

[0153] The microorganisms in the composition can be present in the same or different amounts, for example, the ratio of two microorganisms in the composition can be about 1.5:1, 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:10, 1:25, 1:50, 1:100, 1:1000, 1:10,000, or 1:100,000.

[0154] The compositions and methods of the present disclosure can be used to treat disorders. The disorder can be a microbiome-related disorder. The disorder can be a comorbidity associated with dysbiosis (e.g., intestinal dysbiosis).

[0155] The disorder may be associated with or caused by altered production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs may be a subgroup of fatty acids with six or fewer carbons in their aliphatic tails. Non-limiting examples of SCFAs include acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, isovaleric acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, valeric acid, pentanoic acid, delphinic acid, isopentanoic acid, and butyrate. The altered SCFA production may be caused, for example, by altering the subject's microbiome, for example, by reducing the SCFA-producing microbial population in the intestine, by altering the SCFA production pathway, by altering the substrate, cofactor, or prebiotic required for SCFA production, or any combination thereof. The altered relative abundance of SCFAs relative to each other may lead to the disorder. For example, altered fiber vs. acetate production pathway, or altered acetate vs. butyrate production pathway may lead to the disorder.

[0156] The disorder can be associated with the reduction of butyrate production in subjects.Butyrate can be produced by butyrate-producing microorganisms in the intestine, for example, using dietary fiber.Butyrate production in the intestine can involve a combination of microorganisms, for example, a first microorganism that produces butyrate intermediates (for example, acetate or lactate), and a second microorganism that converts butyrate intermediates into butyrate.Butyrate is absorbed by enterocytes and can initiate G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signal transduction, leading to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion.Due to their central role, SCFAs such as butyrate can be involved in many bodily functions. For example, they reduce inflammation, regulate intestinal permeability, improve glucose control, improve insulin insensitivity, regulate the immune system, promote satiety, reduce food intake, activate free fatty acid receptors, produce leptin, regulate (e.g., inhibit) the NF-kappa B pathway, improve ion retention, improve resilience to intestinal pathogens and their toxins, and modulate the gut-brain axis.

[0157] The disorder can be a metabolic disorder or a gastrointestinal disorder. Non-limiting examples of metabolic disorders include prediabetes, insulin resistance, diabetes, type I diabetes, type II diabetes, gestational diabetes, juvenile diabetes, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, overweight conditions, ischemia-reperfusion injury, such as hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and steroid-resistant liver disease (SRHL). steatohepatitis), NAFLD in non-obese subjects (e.g., NAFLD not caused by or related to obesity or overweight issues), NASH in non-obese subjects (e.g., NASH not caused by or related to obesity or overweight issues), Crohn's disease, colitis, ulcerative colitis, pseudomembranous colitis, renal dysfunction, renal pathology, glomerular disease, lactose intolerance, insulin insensitivity, insulin deficiency, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, diarrhea, allergic diarrhea, dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, celiac disease, and gastroparesis. In some cases, the disorder may be type I diabetes. In some cases, the disorder may be type 2 diabetes. In some cases, the disorder may be pre-diabetes. In some cases, the disorder may be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In some cases, the disorder may be diarrhea.

[0158] The disorder may be a neurological or behavioral disorder. Non-limiting examples of neurological disorders include neurological disorders, anxiety, depression, food addiction, chronic fatigue syndrome, autism, autism spectrum disorder, Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), bulbar palsy, pseudobulbar palsy, primary lateral sclerosis, motor neuron dysfunction (MND), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Huntington's disease, eye disease, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, vision loss, presbyopia, cataracts, progressive muscular atrophy, lower motor neuron disease, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Werdnig-Hoffmann disease (SMA1), SMA2, Kugelberg-Welander disease (SM3), Kennedy's disease, post-polio syndrome, and hereditary spastic paraplegia. The methods and compositions of the present disclosure can be used for, for example, stabilizing mood, improving mood, modulating excessive mental distress, reducing anxiety, reducing stress, and combinations thereof.In some cases, the disorder can be autism.In some cases, the disorder can be depression.

[0159] The disorder can be immunological disorder or immune system-related condition.Non-limiting examples of immune system-related condition include allergy, inflammation, inflammatory disorder, anaphylactic shock, autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, diabetes, autoimmune enteropathy, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, microscopic colitis, ulcerative colitis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, oral mucositis, inflammatory bowel disease, kyphosis, herniated disc, ulcerative asthma, renal fibrosis, liver fibrosis, pancreatic fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, skin wound healing and oral submucosal fibrosis.In some cases, the disorder can be inflammation.

[0160] The disorder may be a skin disorder or a dermatological disorder. Non-limiting examples of such disorders include skin conditions, acne, psoriasis, eczema, rash, wrinkles, pruritis, dysesthesias, papulosquamous disorder, erythroderma, lichen planus, lichenoid dermatosis, atopic dermatitis, eczematous rash, eosinophilic dermatosis, reactive neutrophilic dermatosis, pemphigus, pemphigoid, immune bullous dermatosis, fibrohistocytic proliferation of the skin, cutaneous lymphoma, and cutaneous lupus. In some cases, the disorder may be eczema. In some cases, the disorder may be a rash.

[0161] The disorder may be a cardiovascular condition. Non-limiting examples of cardiovascular conditions include angina pectoris, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease (CAD), carotid artery disease, endocarditis, heart attack, coronary thrombosis, myocardial infarction (MI), high blood pressure / hypertension, aortic aneurysm, cerebral aneurysm, cardiac fibrosis, cardiac diastolic dysfunction, hypercholesterolemia / hyperlipidemia, heart disease, mitral valve prolapse, peripheral vascular disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), cardiac stress resistance, stroke, cholesterol-related disorders, and elevated triglyceride-related disorders.

[0162] The disorder can be a pulmonary disorder. Non-limiting examples of pulmonary conditions include idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and emphysema.

[0163] The disorder can be a connective tissue disorder. Non-limiting examples of connective tissue disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, and Wegener's granulomatosis.

[0164] The disorder may be cancer. Non-limiting examples of cancer include colorectal cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, adrenocortical carcinoma, AIDS-related cancer, AIDS-related lymphoma, anal cancer, appendix cancer, astrocytoma, neuroblastoma, basal cell carcinoma, bile duct cancer, bladder cancer, bone cancer, brain tumors such as cerebellar astrocytoma, cerebral astrocytoma / malignant glioma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor, visual pathway and hypothalamic glioma, breast cancer, bronchial adenoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, cancer of unknown primary, central nervous system lymphoma, cerebellar astrocytoma, cervical cancer, childhood cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and the like. Myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloproliferative disorders, colon cancer, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, desmoplastic small round cell tumor, endometrial cancer, ependymoma, esophageal cancer, Ewing's sarcoma, germ cell tumors, gallbladder cancer, stomach cancer, gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, glioma, hairy cell leukemia, head and neck cancer, heart cancer, hepatocellular (liver) cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, hypopharyngeal cancer, intraocular melanoma, pancreatic islet cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, kidney cancer, laryngeal cancer, lip and oral cavity cancer, liposarcoma, liver cancer, lung cancer, including non-small cell and small cell lung cancer, lymphoma tumor, leukemia, macroglobulinemia, malignant fibrous histiocytoma / osteosarcoma of bone, medulloblastoma, melanoma, mesothelioma, metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the neck of unknown primary, cancer of the mouth, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome, myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloid leukemia, nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, neuroblastoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer, oral cavity cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, osteosarcoma / malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone, ovarian cancer, ovarian epithelial cancer, ovarian germ cell tumor, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic islet cell cancer, paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer, parathyroid cancer, penile cancer, pharyngeal cancer, pheochromocytoma, pineal astrocytoma, pine These include: pituitary germinoma, pituitary adenoma, pleuropulmonary blastoma, plasma cell neoplasm, primary central nervous system lymphoma, prostate cancer, rectal cancer, renal cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, salivary gland cancer, sarcoma, skin cancer, cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma, small intestine cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, gastric cancer, T-cell lymphoma, throat cancer, thymoma, thymic carcinoma, thyroid cancer, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, carcinoma of unknown primary site, urethral cancer, uterine sarcoma, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, Wilms' tumor, and metastases.

[0165] The disorder can be a vaginal disorder.Non-limiting examples of vaginal conditions include vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, viral vaginitis, vulvovaginitis, yeast infection, premature birth, fertility-related conditions (e.g., subfertility), Trichomonas, vulvodynia cleansing follow-up treatment, vulvar vestibulitis, vulvodynia, vaginal douching.The composition of the present disclosure can be used after cleansing (e.g., after cleansing in subjects with vulvodynia).

[0166] The disorder can be a dental disorder. Non-limiting examples of dental disorders include tooth decay and bad breath.

[0167] The disorder may be a pregnancy-related condition. Non-limiting examples of pregnancy-related conditions include preterm labor, premature birth, obesity during pregnancy, or gestational diabetes. The composition of the present disclosure can be administered to a pregnant woman who is expecting an infant to be delivered by cesarean section and / or to an infant delivered by cesarean section. The composition of the present disclosure can be administered to an infant, a pregnant woman, or both, to reduce the incidence of enteric pathogens or any of the disorders described herein in the infant or mother. The infant may be an infant delivered by cesarean section. The infant may be an infant who is formula-fed.

[0168] The disorder may be a sleep disorder, multiple sclerosis, an infectious disease such as Clostridium difficile infection, a urogenital disorder, oral thrush, diabetic foot ulcer, bacteremia, infantile colic, a urinary tract infection, radiation enteropathy, appendicitis, an atopic disease, aging, an age-related disorder, a premature aging disorder, a condition induced by chemotherapy or radiation therapy, a starvation-related condition, metastasis, or a condition associated with drug metabolism. The composition of the present disclosure may be administered after antibiotic treatment (e.g., in children). The composition of the present disclosure may be administered to a subject who has undergone bariatric surgery (e.g., after bariatric surgery). The composition of the present disclosure may be administered as an antibody / immunotherapy companion. The composition of the present disclosure may be administered to treat comorbidities of any of the disorders described herein.

[0169] The composition may include a prebiotic. The prebiotic can affect the growth or activity of microorganisms in the host. The prebiotic can be selectively fermented, for example, in the colon. The prebiotic can serve as an energy source for microorganisms. Non-limiting examples of prebiotics include complex carbohydrates, complex sugars, resistant dextrin, resistant starch, amino acids, peptides, nutritional compounds, biotin, polydextrose, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), fructans, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, fiber, starch, galactooligosaccharides (GOS), inulin, lignin, psyllium, chitin, chitosan, gums (e.g., guar gum), high amylose cornstarch (HAS), cellulose, β-glucan, hemicellulose, lactulose, mannooligosaccharides, mannanoligosaccharides (MOS), and the like. oligosaccharides), oligofructose-enriched inulin, oligofructose, oligodextrose, tagatose, trans-galactooligosaccharides, pectin, resistant starch, xylooligosaccharides (XOS), locust bean gum, P-glucan, and methylcellulose.

[0170] The combination of prebiotics and microorganisms can be formulated to create a completely self-sufficient system that does not require any external input.This combination can provide a complete system for producing amino acids, polyphenols, vitamins, and other compounds with nutritional value in subjects.Subjects can be treated with the combination of SCFA-producing microorganisms and prebiotics that contain dietary fiber and other active substances that are necessary for the activity of SCFA-producing microorganisms.In this way, prebiotics and microorganisms form a self-sufficient system, in which microorganisms convert prebiotic dietary fiber into SCFAs (such as butyrate, acetate, propionate), and this SCFA can induce downstream signaling to treat disorders.

[0171] The compositions and methods of the present disclosure can increase the engraftment of microorganisms in a subject. Engraftment can be indicated by an increase in the relative abundance of the microorganism in the subject. In an illustrative method, the engraftment of a microorganism in a subject can be determined by measuring the relative amount of nucleic acid of the engrafted microorganism in a biological sample (e.g., a stool sample for assessing the gut microbiome) obtained from the subject before (e.g., a baseline sample) and after (e.g., a washout period sample) administration of the microorganism. The engraftment of the administered microorganism can result in an increase in the amount of nucleic acid of the microorganism in the washout sample compared to the baseline sample or control. The amount of nucleic acid can be determined using sequencing or qPCR. Target-specific primers for the microorganism can be used to assay engraftment.

[0172] In another illustrative method, microbial engraftment in a subject can be determined by measuring the relative amount of microbial nucleic acid in a biological sample (e.g., a stool sample for assessing the gut microbiome) obtained from one subject or group of subjects compared to a second subject or group of subjects. The first subject or group of subjects can be administered a composition of the present disclosure (e.g., comprising at least one mucin-degrading microorganism and at least one butyrate-producing microorganism). The second subject or group of subjects can be administered a placebo, an alternative composition of the present disclosure, or a control composition (e.g., a composition comprising butyrate-producing microorganisms but no mucin-degrading microorganisms). The biological sample can be obtained, for example, during administration of the composition or after a washout period. Engraftment of the administered microorganism can result in an increase in the amount of microbial nucleic acid in the first subject or group of subjects compared to the second subject or group of subjects. The amount of nucleic acid can be determined using sequencing or qPCR. Target-specific primers for the microorganism can be used to assay engraftment.

[0173] The compositions and methods of the disclosure can increase microbial engraftment (e.g., as determined by measuring microbial nucleic acid) in a subject by at least about 1-fold, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, 15-fold, 20-fold, 30-fold, 40-fold, 50-fold, 60-fold, 70-fold, 80-fold, 90-fold, 100-fold or more compared to a control (e.g., baseline or pre-treatment).

[0174] The compositions and methods of the disclosure can increase microbial engraftment in a subject by at least about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% compared to a control (e.g., baseline or pre-treatment). The compositions and methods of the disclosure can increase microbial engraftment in a subject by about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% compared to a control (e.g., baseline or pre-treatment).

[0175] The compositions and methods of the present disclosure can increase SCFA production in a subject by at least about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% compared to a control (e.g., baseline or pre-treatment). The compositions and methods of the present disclosure can increase SCFA production in a subject by at least about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% compared to a control (e.g., baseline or pre-treatment).

[0176] The compositions and methods of the present disclosure can increase butyrate production in a subject by at least about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% compared to a control (e.g., baseline or pre-treatment). The compositions and methods of the present disclosure can increase butyrate production in a subject by at least about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% compared to a control (e.g., baseline or pre-treatment).

[0177] A control sample may refer to a baseline sample, e.g., a sample collected before administration of the composition. A control may refer to a microbial composition lacking a microorganism that enhances the engraftment of other microorganisms. A control may refer to a placebo sample.

[0178] The microbial compositions described herein can be used to create pharmaceutical compositions containing a therapeutically effective amount of the composition for treating a subject. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure can be a combination of any of the microorganisms described herein with other ingredients, such as carriers, stabilizers, diluents, dispersants, suspending agents, thickeners, and excipients. The pharmaceutical composition can facilitate the administration of the microorganism to a subject. The appropriate amount of the therapeutic composition to be administered, the number of treatments, and the unit dose can vary depending on the subject and / or the subject's condition. The composition can be administered as a therapeutic agent or cosmetic.

[0179] The compositions of the present disclosure may include isolated and purified microorganisms formulated in a substantially dry powder form. The isolated and purified microorganisms may be obtained by freeze-drying a microbial culture. The freeze-dried composition may be mixed with saline or other solutions before administration.

[0180] The composition can include viable microorganisms. For example, a microbial composition includes microorganisms that can replicate once the microorganisms are delivered to a target habitat (e.g., the intestine). In some cases, the composition may be free of spores.

[0181] The composition can have a shelf life of at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 months. Compositions comprising strict anaerobic microorganisms can be formulated to reduce or eliminate exposure to oxygen to increase shelf life.

[0182] The compositions disclosed herein may be formulated as food or beverage products, cosmetics, or nutritional supplements. The microbial compositions can be formulated as dietary supplements. Vitamin supplements can be incorporated into the microbial compositions. The microbial compositions can be formulated in chewable forms, such as probiotic gummies. The microbial compositions can be incorporated into food and / or drink forms. Non-limiting examples of foods and drinks that can incorporate the microbial compositions include, for example, bars, shakes, juices, infant formula, beverages, frozen foods, fermented foods, and cultured dairy products, such as yogurt, yogurt drinks, cheese, acidophilus drinks, and kefir.

[0183] Composition can be formulated for release in the appropriate part of the digestive tract of subject.Non-limiting examples of digestive tract region include duodenum, small intestine region (including duodenum, jejunum, ileum) and large intestine region (including cecum, colon, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum and anal canal).Composition can be formulated for delivery to the ileum or colon region of digestive tract.

[0184] The composition can be formulated for delivery by any suitable delivery method. Non-limiting examples of delivery routes include topical, oral, parenteral, rectal, mucosal, vaginal, and enteral / alimentary. A combination of administration routes can be used.

[0185] The compositions can be administered orally, for example, via a capsule, pill, powder, tablet, gel or liquid designed to release the composition in the digestive tract.

[0186] In one non-limiting example, the microbial composition can be formulated for oral administration, for example, in pills or capsules. The composition can include, for example, an enteric coating to prevent release of the contents in the subject's stomach. The composition can be designed to substantially release the contents of the composition in the subject's gastrointestinal tract region (e.g., upper colon; ileum, colonic region).

[0187] The enteric coating can protect the contents of the composition, for example, oral compositions such as pills or capsules, from the acidity of the stomach. The enteric coating can provide delivery to the ileum and / or upper colon. The microbial composition can be formulated so that the contents of the composition are not released in any part of the body other than the target intestinal region, for example, the ileum and / or colon. Non-limiting examples of enteric coatings include pH-sensitive polymers (e.g., Eudragit FS30D), methyl acrylate-methacrylic acid copolymer, cellulose acetate succinate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (e.g., hypromellose acetate succinate), polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP), methyl methacrylate-methacrylic acid copolymer, shellac, cellulose acetate trimellitate, sodium alginate, zein, other polymers, fatty acids, waxes, shellac, plastics, and plant fibers. The enteric coating can be formed by a pH-sensitive polymer. The enteric coating may be formed by Eudragit FS30D.

[0188] The enteric coating can be designed to dissolve at any suitable pH. The enteric coating can be designed to dissolve at a pH greater than about pH 6.5 to about pH 7.0. The enteric coating can be designed to dissolve at a pH greater than about pH 6.5. The enteric coating can be designed to dissolve at a pH greater than about pH 7.0. The enteric coating can be designed to dissolve at a pH greater than about 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, or 8 pH units. The enteric coating can be designed to dissolve in the intestine, for example, the ileum and / or colon. Enteric coatings can be designed to prevent dissolution in the stomach.

[0189] Composition can be administered locally.Composition can be formulated as topically administrable composition, for example, solution, suspension, lotion, gel, paste, medicated stick, balm, cream, ointment, liquid, wrap, adhesive or patch.Composition can contain solubilizer, stabilizer, tonicity enhancer, buffer and preservative.

[0190] The compositions can be administered by injection, for example, for compositions containing butyrate, propionate, acetate, and short chain fatty acids. The compositions can be administered using a suppository or by enema. A combination of administration routes can be utilized.

[0191] The composition of the present disclosure can be administered as part of fecal transplantation process.The composition can be administered to the subject by tube, for example, nasogastric tube, nasojejunal tube, nasoduodenal tube, oral gastric tube, oral jejunal tube or oral duodenal tube.The composition can be administered to the subject by colonoscopy, endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and / or enema.

[0192] The composition may include metabolites, bacteriocins, enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, antibiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, glycans, bacteriophages, and any combination thereof. The composition may include inulin, sucrose, trehalose, glycerin, maltodextrin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, or a combination thereof. The composition may include, for example, metabolites to support the initial effectiveness of a therapeutic agent before the microorganisms can produce their own metabolites. Metabolites may include short-chain fatty acids, which may be a subgroup of fatty acids having six or fewer carbons in their aliphatic tails, such as acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, isovaleric acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, valeric acid, pentanoic acid, delphinic acid, isopentanoic acid, and butyrate.

[0193] The compositions can be stored at low temperatures, for example, at about -80°C, about -20°C, about -4°C, or about 4°C. The compositions provided herein can be stored at any suitable temperature. The storage temperature can be, for example, about 0°C, about 1°C, about 2°C, about 3°C, about 4°C, about 5°C, about 6°C, about 7°C, about 8°C, about 9°C, about 10°C, about 12°C, about 14°C, about 16°C, about 20°C, about 22°C, or about 25°C. The storage temperature can be between about 2°C and about 8°C. Storing a microbial composition at low temperatures, for example, about 2°C to about 8°C, can keep the microorganisms alive and increase the efficacy of the composition. The cooled condition can also provide comfort and relief to the patient. Storage at freezing temperatures below 0°C using a cryoprotectant can further extend stability.

[0194] The compositions of the present disclosure may have any suitable pH. The pH of the composition may range from about 3 to about 12. The pH of the composition may be, for example, about 3 to about 4, about 4 to about 5, about 5 to about 6, about 6 to about 7, about 7 to about 8, about 8 to about 9, about 9 to about 10, about 10 to about 11, or about 11 to about 12 pH units. The pH of the composition may be, for example, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, or about 12 pH units. The pH of the composition may be, for example, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, or at least 12 pH units. The pH of the composition may be, for example, at most 3, at most 4, at most 5, at most 6, at most 7, at most 8, at most 9, at most 10, at least 11, or at least 12 pH units. The pH of the composition may be, for example, about 2.0, about 2.1, about 2.2, about 2.3, about 2.4, about 2.5, about 2.6, about 2.7, about 2.8, about 2.9, about 3.0, about 3.1, about 3.2, about 3.3, about 3.4, about 3.5, about 3.6, about 3.7, about 3.8, about 3.9, about 4.0, about 4.1, about 4.2, about 4.3, about 4.4, about 4.5, about 4.6, about 4.7, about 4.8, about 4.9, about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4, about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, about 6.0, about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, about 6.9, about 7.0, about 7.1, about 7.2, about 7.3, about 7.4, about 7.5, about 7.6, about 7.7, about 7.8, about 7.9, about 8.0, about 8.1, about 8.2, about 8.3, about 8.4, about 8.5, about 8.6, about 8.7, about 8.8, about 8.9, about 9.0, about 9.1, about 9.1, about 9.2, about 9.3, about 9.4, about 9.5, about 9.6, about 9.7, about 9.8, about 9.9, about 10.0, about 10.1, The pH of the composition may be about 0.5, about 4.6, about 4.7, about 4.8, about 4.9, about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4, about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, about 6.0, about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, about 6.9, or about 7.0 pH units. If the pH is outside the range desired by the formulator, the pH can be adjusted by using sufficient pharmaceutically acceptable acids and bases. The pH of the composition may be about 4 to about 6 pH units. The pH of the composition may be about 5.5 pH units.

[0195] Administration of the compositions of the present disclosure can be preceded by, for example, colon cleansing methods, such as colonic irrigation / hydrotherapy, enemas; administration of laxatives, nutritional supplements, dietary fiber, enzymes, and magnesium.

[0196] The microorganisms of the present disclosure can be formulated as a population of spores. The spore-containing composition can be administered by any suitable route described herein. Orally administered spore-containing compositions can survive the low pH environment of the stomach. The amount of spores utilized can be, for example, about 1% w / w to about 99% w / w based on the weight of the total composition. In some cases, the microbial composition does not contain spores.

[0197] The compositions provided herein can include the addition of one or more agents to the therapeutic or cosmetic product to improve the stability and / or survival of the microbial composition. Non-limiting examples of stabilizers include genetic elements, glycerin, ascorbic acid, nonfat milk, lactose, Tween®, alginate, xanthan gum, carrageenan gum, mannitol, palm oil, and poly-L-lysine (POPL).

[0198] The composition can include a recombinant or genetically modified microorganism, for example, a composition can include a microorganism that can be regulated, for example, a microorganism that includes an operon for controlling microbial growth.

[0199] Composition can be customized for the subject.For example, subject-specific data including age, sex and weight can be combined with analysis results to provide the therapeutic agent customized for the subject.For example, the microbiome of the subject that is found to have less specific microorganisms compared with the subpopulation of age-matched and sex-matched healthy subjects can be provided with the therapeutic and / or cosmetic composition that contains specific microorganisms, and match with the subpopulation of healthy subjects that have the same age and sex as the subject.

[0200] The composition can be administered after treatment with an antimicrobial agent, such as an antibiotic. For example, the composition can be administered 12 hours, 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, or 1 month after treatment with the antibiotic.

[0201] The composition can be administered before or after the subject eats food.In an illustrative example, the composition is administered before the subject eats food.For example, the composition can be more effective or more effective when administered before eating food.For example, the composition can be administered about 10 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 45 minutes, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, about 6 hours, about 7 hours, about 8 hours, about 9 hours, about 10 hours, about 12 hours, or about 1 day before the subject eats food.For example, the composition can be administered at least about 5 minutes, about 10 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 45 minutes, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, about 6 hours, about 7 hours, about 8 hours, about 9 hours, about 10 hours, about 12 hours, or about 1 day before the subject eats food. For example, the composition can be administered at most about 10 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 45 minutes, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, about 6 hours, about 7 hours, about 8 hours, about 9 hours, about 10 hours, about 12 hours, or about 1 day before food intake by the subject.

[0202] Composition can be administered after subject eats food.In some cases, composition can be more effective or more effective when administered after food intake.For example, composition can be administered at least about 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 5 hours, 10 hours, 12 hours or 1 day after subject eats food.For example, composition can be administered at most about 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 5 hours, 10 hours, 12 hours or 1 day after subject eats food.

[0203] Compositions may include carriers and excipients (including, but not limited to, buffers, carbohydrates, lipids, mannitol, proteins, polypeptides, or amino acids such as glycine, antioxidants, bacteriostats, chelating agents, suspending agents, thickening agents, and / or preservatives), metals (e.g., iron, calcium), salts, vitamins, minerals, water, oils (including those of petroleum, animal, vegetable, or synthetic origin, e.g., peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil, etc.), saline solution, aqueous dextrose and glycerol solutions, flavorings, coloring agents, detackifying agents and other acceptable additives, adjuvants or binders, other pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances as needed to approximate physiological conditions, such as pH buffering agents, tonicity adjusting agents, emulsifying agents, wetting agents, and the like. Examples of excipients include starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, wheat flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, skim milk powder, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water, ethanol, and the like.

[0204] Non-limiting examples of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients suitable for use in the present disclosure include granulating agents, binders, lubricants, dispersing agents, sweetening agents, glidants, anti-adherents, anti-static agents, surfactants, antioxidants, gums, coating agents, colorants, flavoring agents, dispersion enhancers, disintegrants, coating agents, plasticizers, preservatives, suspending agents, emulsifiers, plant cellulose materials, and spheronizing agents, and any combination thereof.

[0205] Non-limiting examples of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients can be found, for example, in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Nineteenth Ed (Easton, Pa.: Mack Publishing Company, 1995); Hoover, John E., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pennsylvania 1975; Liberman, H.A. and Lachman, L., Eds., Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Marcel Decker, New York, NY, 1980; and Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Seventh Ed. (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 1999), each of which references is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0206] The composition may be substantially free of preservatives. For some applications, the composition may contain at least one preservative.

[0207] The composition may be substantially free of fecal matter.

[0208] The composition can be encapsulated in a suitable vehicle, such as a liposome, microsphere, or microparticle. Microspheres formed of polymers or proteins can be tailored to pass directly through the digestive tract into the bloodstream. Alternatively, the compound can be incorporated into a microsphere or a composite of microspheres and implanted for sustained release over a period ranging from several days to several months.

[0209] The composition can be formulated as a sterile solution or suspension.The therapeutic or cosmetic composition can be sterilized by conventional methods or can be sterile filtered.The aqueous solution obtained can be packaged for immediate use or can be freeze-dried.The freeze-dried preparation of the microbial composition can be packaged in a suitable form for oral administration, for example, capsules or pills.

[0210] The compositions can be administered topically and can be formulated into a variety of topically administrable compositions, such as solutions, suspensions, lotions, gels, pastes, medicated sticks, balms, creams, and ointments. Such pharmaceutical compositions can contain solubilizers, stabilizers, tonicity enhancers, buffers, and preservatives.

[0211] The compositions can also be formulated into rectal compositions such as enemas, rectal gels, rectal foams, rectal aerosols, suppositories, jelly suppositories, or retention enemas containing conventional suppository bases, such as cocoa butter or other glycerides, and synthetic polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, PEG, etc. In compositions in suppository form, a low-melting wax, such as a mixture of fatty acid glycerides, can be used, optionally in combination with cocoa butter.

[0212] Microbial compositions can be formulated using one or more physiologically acceptable carriers, including excipients and auxiliary agents that facilitate the processing of microorganisms into pharmaceutical preparations.The composition can be modified depending on the selected route of administration.The compositions described herein can be prepared by conventional methods, for example, by conventional mixing, dissolving, granulating, dragee-making, wet milling, encapsulating, entrapping, emulsifying or compressing processes.

[0213] Pharmaceutical compositions containing the microorganisms described herein can be administered for preventive and / or therapeutic treatment. In therapeutic applications, the compositions can be administered to a subject already suffering from a disease or condition in an amount sufficient to cure or at least partially suppress the symptoms of the disease or condition, or in an amount sufficient to cure, remedy, improve, or alleviate the condition. Microbial compositions can also be administered to reduce the likelihood of developing, suffering from, or worsening the condition. Amounts effective for this use can vary based on the severity and course of the disease or condition, previous treatments, the subject's health, weight, and response to drugs, and the judgment of the attending physician.

[0214] Multiple therapeutic agents can be administered in any order or simultaneously.When administered simultaneously, multiple therapeutic agents can be provided in a single integrated form, or in multiple forms, for example, as multiple separate pills.The compositions can be packaged together or separately in a single package or multiple packages.One or all of the therapeutic agents can be given in multiple doses.If not administered simultaneously, the timing between multiple doses can vary up to about one month.

[0215] The compositions described herein can be administered before, during, or after the onset of a disease or condition, and the timing of administration of the composition can vary. For example, the microbial composition can be used as a prophylactic and can be administered continuously to a subject prone to a condition or disease to reduce the likelihood of the disease or condition occurring. The microbial composition can be administered to a subject during the onset of symptoms or as soon as possible after their onset. Administration of the microbial composition can begin within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms, within 6 hours after the onset of symptoms, or within 3 hours after the onset of symptoms. The initial administration can be via any route practical using any of the compositions described herein, for example, by any of the routes described herein. The microbial composition can be administered as soon as practicable after the onset of a disease or condition is detected or suspected, and can be administered for the length of time necessary to treat the disease, such as from about one month to about three months. The length of treatment can vary from subject to subject.

[0216] The compositions of the present disclosure can be administered in combination with another treatment, for example, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral agents, antimicrobial agents, and antifungal agents.

[0217] The compositions of the present disclosure can be packaged as a kit. The kit can include written instructions for administering / using the composition. The written instructions can be, for example, a label. The written instructions can suggest conditions and methods of administration. The instructions provide the subject and the attending physician with the best guidance for achieving optimal clinical outcomes from the administration of the treatment. The written instructions can be a label. The label can be approved by a regulatory agency, for example, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), or other regulatory agency.

[0218] The composition can be formulated for administration by pH-dependent release delivery, microbial triggered delivery, time-controlled delivery, osmotically controlled delivery, pressure-controlled delivery, multi-matrix system delivery, bioadhesive delivery or multiparticulate delivery.The composition can also be formulated for release in the small or large intestine, colon, rectum, stomach, anus or esophagus.

[0219] The composition may be formulated for delayed or slow delivery of the contents.

[0220] The pharmaceutical compositions described herein can be in unit dosage form suitable for single administration of precise dosages. Compositions in unit dosage form can be divided into unit doses containing appropriate amounts of one or more microbial compositions. Unit dosages can be in the form of packages containing discrete amounts of the compositions. Non-limiting examples are liquids in vials, ampoules, tablets, or capsules. Aqueous suspension compositions can be packaged in single-dose non-reclosable containers. Compositions can be in multi-dose form. Multi-dose reclosable containers can be used, for example, in combination with a preservative. Compositions for parenteral injection can be provided in unit dosage form, for example, in ampoules or in multi-dose containers with a preservative.

[0221] The dosage may be in the form of a solid, semi-solid, or liquid composition. Non-limiting examples of dosage forms suitable for use in the present disclosure include feeds, foods, pellets, lozenges, liquids, elixirs, aerosols, inhalants, sprays, powders, tablets, pills, capsules, gels, geltabs, nanosuspensions, nanoparticles, microgels, suppositories, lozenges, aqueous or oily suspensions, ointments, patches, lotions, dentifrices, emulsions, creams, drops, dispersible powders or granules, emulsions in hard or soft gel capsules, syrups, phytoceuticals, functional foods, dietary supplements, and any combination thereof.

[0222] The microorganism may be present in the pharmaceutical composition at any suitable concentration. The concentration of the microorganism may be, for example, about 10 1 ~about 1018 The concentration of the microorganism may be colony forming units (CFU) or active cells / gram (used interchangeably herein). The concentration of the microorganism may be, for example, about 10 1 , about 10 2 , about 10 3 , about 10 4 , about 10 5 , about 10 6 , about 10 7 , about 10 8 , about 10 9 , about 10 10 , about 10 11 , about 10 12 , about 10 13 , about 10 14 , about 10 15 , about 10 16 , about 10 17 , or about 10 18 The concentration of the microorganisms can be, for example, at least about 10 CFU. 1 , at least about 10 2 , at least about 10 3 , at least about 10 4 , at least about 10 5 , at least about 10 6 , at least about 10 7 , at least about 10 8 , at least about 10 9 , at least about 10 10 , at least about 10 11 , at least about 10 12 , at least about 10 13 , at least about 10 14 , at least about 10 15 , at least about 10 16 , at least about 10 17 , or at least about 10 18 The concentration of the microorganisms can be, for example, at most about 10 CFU. 1 , at most about 10 2 , at most about 10 3 , at most about 10 4 , at most about 10 5 , at most about 10 6 , at most about 10 7 , at most about 10 8, at most about 10 9 , at most about 10 10 , at most about 10 11 , at most about 10 12 , at most about 10 13 , at most about 10 14 , at most about 10 15 , at most about 10 16 , at most about 10 17 , or at most about 10 18 The concentration of microorganisms can be about 10 CFU. 8 CFU ~ approx. 10 9 The concentration of microorganisms can be about 10 CFU. 8 The concentration of microorganisms can be about 10 CFU. 9 The concentration of microorganisms can be about 10 CFU. 10 The concentration of microorganisms may be at least about 10 CFU. 8 The concentration of microorganisms may be at least about 10 CFU. 9 It may be CFU.

[0223] The concentration of the microorganism in the composition can correspond to, for example, about 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 OD units. The concentration of the microorganism in the composition can correspond to, for example, at least about 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 OD units. The concentration of the microorganism in the composition can correspond to, for example, at most about 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 OD units.

[0224] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure can be formulated at any suitable therapeutically effective concentration of the active ingredient. For example, the therapeutically effective concentration of a prebiotic can be at least about 1 mg / ml, 2 mg / ml, 3 mg / ml, 4 mg / ml, 5 mg / ml, 10 mg / ml, 15 mg / ml, 20 mg / ml, 25 mg / ml, 30 mg / ml, 35 mg / ml, 40 mg / ml, 45 mg / ml, 50 mg / ml, 55 mg / ml, 60 mg / ml, 65 mg / ml, 70 mg / ml, 75 mg / ml, 80 mg / ml, 85 mg / ml, 90 mg / ml, 95 mg / ml, 100 mg / ml, 110 mg / ml, 125 mg / ml, 130 mg / ml, 140 mg / ml, or 150 mg / ml. For example, a therapeutically effective concentration of a prebiotic can be at most about 1 mg / ml, about 2 mg / ml, about 3 mg / ml, about 4 mg / ml, about 5 mg / ml, about 10 mg / ml, about 15 mg / ml, about 20 mg / ml, about 25 mg / ml, about 30 mg / ml, about 35 mg / ml, about 40 mg / ml, about 45 mg / ml, about 50 mg / ml, about 55 mg / ml, about 60 mg / ml, about 65 mg / ml, about 70 mg / ml, about 75 mg / ml, about 80 mg / ml, about 85 mg / ml, about 90 mg / ml, about 95 mg / ml, about 100 mg / ml, about 110 mg / ml, about 125 mg / ml, about 130 mg / ml, about 140 mg / ml, or about 150 mg / ml. For example, the therapeutically effective concentration of the prebiotic can be about 1 mg / ml, about 2 mg / ml, about 3 mg / ml, about 4 mg / ml, about 5 mg / ml, about 10 mg / ml, about 15 mg / ml, about 20 mg / ml, about 25 mg / ml, about 30 mg / ml, about 35 mg / ml, about 40 mg / ml, about 45 mg / ml, about 50 mg / ml, about 55 mg / ml, about 60 mg / ml, about 65 mg / ml, about 70 mg / ml, about 75 mg / ml, about 80 mg / ml, about 85 mg / ml, about 90 mg / ml, about 95 mg / ml, about 100 mg / ml, about 110 mg / ml, about 125 mg / ml, about 130 mg / ml, about 140 mg / ml, or about 150 mg / ml. The concentration of the prebiotic in the pharmaceutical composition can be about 70 mg / ml. The prebiotic may be inulin.

[0225] The compositions of the present disclosure can be formulated at any suitable therapeutically effective concentration of the active ingredient in dry powder form. In some cases, the therapeutic composition comprises about 50% to about 100% by dry weight of one or more prebiotics. In some cases, the therapeutic composition comprises about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% by dry weight of one or more prebiotics. In some cases, the prebiotic composition is a galactooligosaccharide (GOS) composition. In some cases, the GOS composition comprises disaccharides, trisaccharides, tetrasaccharides, and pentasaccharides. In some embodiments, the GOS composition comprises at least 80% by dry weight of disaccharides, trisaccharides, tetrasaccharides, and pentasaccharides. In some cases, the GOS composition comprises about 0.1% to about 5% by dry weight disaccharides, about 30% to about 75% by dry weight trisaccharides, about 15% to about 45% by dry weight tetrasaccharides, and about 1% to about 20% by dry weight pentasaccharides. In some cases, the GOS composition comprises about 1% to about 2% by dry weight disaccharides, about 50% to about 60% by dry weight trisaccharides, about 25% to about 35% by dry weight tetrasaccharides, and about 5% to about 15% by dry weight pentasaccharides. In some cases, the GOS composition comprises about 50% to about 100% by dry weight GOS. In some cases, the GOS composition comprises about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% GOS by dry weight. In some cases, the pharmaceutical composition contains less than 10% digestible sugars by dry weight. In some cases, the pharmaceutical composition contains less than 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% digestible sugars by dry weight. In some cases, the prebiotic is inulin. In some cases, the therapeutic composition contains 1%-50% inulin by dry weight. In some cases, the therapeutic composition contains 1%-10%, 10%-20%, 20%-30%, 30%-40%, or 40%-50% inulin by dry weight. In some cases, the therapeutic composition contains 50%-100% inulin by dry weight. In some cases, the therapeutic composition contains 50%-60%, 60%-70%, 70%-80%, 80%-90%, or 90%-100% inulin by dry weight.

[0226] The course of treatment using the therapeutic composition can vary. The pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure can be administered, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more times daily. The pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure can be administered, for example, daily, every other day, 3 times a week, twice a week, once a week, or at other appropriate intervals for treating the condition. The pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure can be administered, for example, for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30 days or longer. The pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure can be administered, for example, for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 weeks or longer. The pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure can be administered, for example, for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 months or longer. The therapeutic composition of the present disclosure can be administered for a period of time to allow one or more microorganisms in the composition to colonize the subject's microbiome (e.g., as indicated by their presence in a stool sample after a washout period).

[0227] The time between the first and second administrations can vary. In some cases, the time between the first and second administrations can be about 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours, 13 hours, 14 hours, 15 hours, 16 hours, 17 hours, 18 hours, 19 hours, 20 hours, 21 hours, 22 hours, 23 hours, or 24 hours. In some cases, the time between the first and second administrations can be 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, 14 days, 15 days, 16 days, 17 days, 18 days, 19 days, 20 days, 21 days, 22 days, 23 days, 24 days, 25 days, 26 days, 27 days, 28 days, 29 days, or 30 days. In some cases, the time between the first and second administrations can be 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, or longer.

[0228] An exemplary treatment regimen may be to treat a subject with a first dose of a therapeutic composition for at least three days, followed by treatment with a second dose of a therapeutic composition for at least three days. In some treatment regimens, a subject may be treated with a first dose of a therapeutic composition for up to 14 days, followed by treatment with a second dose of a therapeutic composition for up to 14 days. In some treatment regimens, a subject may be treated with a first dose of a therapeutic composition for 7-14 days, followed by treatment with a second dose of a therapeutic composition for 7-14 days. In some treatment regimens, a subject may be treated with a first dose of a therapeutic composition for 7 days, followed by treatment with a second dose of a therapeutic composition for 7 days. In some treatment regimens, the first dose and the second dose may be the same. In some treatment regimens, the second dose may contain a quantity of microorganisms that is about 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, 10-fold, 11-fold, 12-fold, 13-fold, 14-fold, 15-fold, 16-fold, 17-fold, 18-fold, 19-fold, 20-fold, 30-fold, 40-fold, or 50-fold higher than the quantity of microorganisms in the first dose. In some treatment regimens, the second dose contains a quantity of microorganisms that is at least 2-fold, at least 3-fold, at least 4-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 6-fold, at least 7-fold, at least 8-fold, at least 9-fold, at least 10-fold, at least 11-fold, at least 12-fold, at least 13-fold, at least 14-fold, at least 15-fold, at least 16-fold, at least 17-fold, at least 18-fold, at least 19-fold, at least 20-fold, at least 30-fold, at least 40-fold, or at least 50-fold higher than the quantity of microorganisms in the first dose. In some treatment regimens, the second dose contains up to 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, 10-fold, 11-fold, 12-fold, 13-fold, 14-fold, 15-fold, 16-fold, 17-fold, 18-fold, 19-fold, 20-fold, 30-fold, 40-fold, or 50-fold higher amounts of microorganisms than the amount of microorganisms in the first dose. In some treatment regimens, the second dose may contain about 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, 10-fold, 11-fold, 12-fold, 13-fold, 14-fold, 15-fold, 16-fold, 17-fold, 18-fold, 19-fold, 20-fold, 30-fold, 40-fold, or 50-fold lower amounts of microorganisms than the amount of microorganisms in the first dose.In some treatment regimens, the second dose contains at least 2-fold, at least 3-fold, at least 4-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 6-fold, at least 7-fold, at least 8-fold, at least 9-fold, at least 10-fold, at least 11-fold, at least 12-fold, at least 13-fold, at least 14-fold, at least 15-fold, at least 16-fold, at least 17-fold, at least 18-fold, at least 19-fold, at least 20-fold, at least 30-fold, at least 40-fold, or at least 50-fold less microorganism than the amount of microorganism in the first dose. In some treatment regimens, the second dose contains up to 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, 10-fold, 11-fold, 12-fold, 13-fold, 14-fold, 15-fold, 16-fold, 17-fold, 18-fold, 19-fold, 20-fold, 30-fold, 40-fold, or 50-fold less microorganism than the first dose.

[0229] The composition may be substantially free of allergens. Non-limiting examples of allergens include shellfish, crustaceans, peanuts, soybeans, wheat, milk or dairy products, and gluten. In some cases, the composition may contain milk.

[0230] The subject can be, for example, a mammal, a human, a pregnant woman, an older adult, an adult, an adolescent, a pre-adolescent child, a child, a toddler, an infant, a newborn, or a neonate. The subject can be a patient. The subject can be a human. The subject can be a child (i.e., a young human under the age of puberty). The subject can be an infant. The subject can be an individual enrolled in a clinical study. The subject can be a laboratory animal, e.g., a mammal or a rodent. The subject can be an obese or overweight subject. The subject can be a bottle-fed infant.

[0231] The present disclosure provides methods for collecting stool samples and methods for processing and extracting microorganisms from stool samples for further analysis. Whole stool samples can be collected using a mechanical tool or sampling device. An exemplary device is shown in Figure 9. Other non-limiting mechanical tools or sampling devices include sterile containers, sterile tubes, swabs, spoons, spatulas, and spatulas.

[0232] Stool samples can be collected at any time during the entire treatment process. For example, stool samples can be collected on the day before treatment begins (day 0), which can be used as a baseline for further analysis. Stool samples can also be collected on the day treatment begins (day 1). Stool samples were collected on the following days: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 1 Stool samples may be collected on days 4, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, or daily until the end of the treatment course. For each sample collection day, stool samples may be collected at any time during the day. In some cases, stool samples may be collected once per collection day, or more than once per collection day.

[0233] In some cases, fresh stool swabs or rectal swabs may be collected for further microbial analysis. In some cases, a scoop of stool sample may be collected for further microbial analysis. In some cases, whole stool samples may be collected for further microbial analysis. Whole stool samples containing all fecal material from bowel movements may be collected, resuspended in solution, and aliquoted for parallel evaluation by various microbiome profiling methods.

[0234] In some cases, whole stool samples may be processed immediately after a bowel movement by suspending them in PBS, water, or a preservative solution. Non-limiting examples of preservative solutions include formalin, polyvinyl alcohol, merthiolate-iodine formaldehyde, sodium acetate-acetate-formalin, Schaudin's fixative, modified PVA copper or modified PVA zinc, and one-vial fixatives (e.g., Ecofix, Parasafe, Unifix, Protofix, STF, and others that may be used). The final concentration (% v / v) of the preservative solution may be at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, or 20%. The resuspended stool sample can be homogenized in a paddle homogenizer (e.g., Stomacher). The homogenized stool sample may then be divided into two or more aliquots for various downstream analyses. In some cases, the aliquot volumes may be about 1 mL, about 2 mL, about 3 mL, about 4 mL, about 5 mL, about 6 mL, about 7 mL, about 8 mL, about 9 mL, or about 10 mL. In some cases, the aliquot volumes may be 0-1 mL, 1-2 mL, 2-3 mL, 3-4 mL, 4-5 mL, 5-6 mL, 6-7 mL, 7-8 mL, 8-9 mL, or 9-10 mL.

[0235] In order to preserve the microbial community in the stool sample, the collected stool sample can be frozen or immediately processed for genetic material extraction.In some cases, the whole stool sample is frozen immediately after collection, or within 5 minutes after collection, or within 10 minutes after collection, or within 15 minutes after collection, or within 20 minutes after collection, or within 30 minutes after collection, or within 40 minutes after collection, or within 50 minutes after collection, or within 1 hour after collection, or within 2 hours after collection.In some cases, the whole stool sample can be frozen at -80°C or below, or at -70°C or below, or at -60°C or below, or at -50°C or below, or at -40°C or below, or at -30°C or below, or at -20°C or below, or at -10°C or below, or at 0°C or below.

[0236] Degradation of DNA or RNA in collected samples can occur when the samples are exposed to the environment outside the human body. To better preserve the microbial community in stool samples and prevent sample degradation, stool samples can be collected in situ using a remotely controlled sample collection mechanism. The remote control mechanism can ensure that the sample collection step is performed at a desired location and time. The in situ sample collection mechanism can further include some inhibitors that prevent DNA or RNA degradation immediately upon sample collection.

[0237] For example, a capsule or equivalent collection tool ingested into the human body can be controllably positioned at a desired location for sample collection. The capsule or equivalent collection tool can have an ON or OFF state; it can be originally set to the OFF state and later switched to the ON state when it reaches a desired location, such as the transverse colon, ascending colon, descending colon, cecum, ileum, jejunum, duodenum, or rectum. In the OFF state, the collection tool may not collect a sample, while in the ON state, the collection tool may collect one or more samples. In some cases, the ON state can be achieved by a timer mechanism. In some cases, the ON state can be achieved by a pH sensor. In some cases, the ON state can be controlled by an external wireless signal. In some cases, the ON state can be controlled by any combination of the mechanisms listed above.

[0238] The capsule or equivalent collection tool may contain an inactivating agent to inhibit enzymatic activity that may cause nucleic acid or protein degradation. Enzymes for nucleic acid degradation may include, but are not limited to, various 5'-3' exonucleases, 3'-5' exonucleases, and endonucleases, such as exonuclease I, exonuclease II, exonuclease III, exonuclease IV, exonuclease V, exonuclease VI, exonuclease VII, exonuclease VIII, and endonucleases.

[0239] In some cases, the in situ collection tool may be a capsule.

[0240] In some cases, the capsule or equivalent collection tool may further comprise a mechanism for externally determining its location in the human body, for example, in the intestine. In some cases, the mechanism may be wireless. In some cases, the mechanism may be RFID.

[0241] A variety of collection mechanisms can be used. In some applications, the collection mechanism can be a syringe-like device that can be actuated to draw in a sample. In some applications, the collection mechanism can be a porous membrane or semi-permeable matrix that can expand to fix and inactivate the sample. In some other applications, the collection mechanism can be a capsule chamber with a controllable door or cap or lid that can be opened for sample collection.

[0242] In some cases, a series of capsules or equivalent collection tools taken over time can be used to collect samples in a time-dependent manner, which can be used to track and generate chronological states in the human body.

[0243] The present disclosure provides a method for microbiome profiling. Microbiome profiling can be used to assess the survival of administered microorganisms. Microbiome profiling can also be used to customize compositions for subjects. A method for microbiome profiling is discussed in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 437,133, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. An exemplary method can include at least one of the following steps: obtaining a biological sample from a subject; measuring at least one type of microorganism in the subject's biological sample; detecting or measuring the presence or absence of at least one type of microorganism upon measurement; and generating a report providing details about the determined microbiome profile.

[0244] The biological sample can be any sample type from any microbial habitat in the subject's body. Non-limiting examples of microbial habitats include skin habitat, umbilical habitat, vaginal habitat, amniotic fluid habitat, conjunctival habitat, intestinal habitat, stomach habitat, intestinal habitat, oral habitat, nasal habitat, gastrointestinal habitat, respiratory habitat, and genitourinary tract habitat. The biological sample can be tailored to its specific application. The biological sample can be, for example, whole blood, serum, plasma, mucous membrane, saliva, buccal swab, urine, stool, cells, tissue, body fluids, lymph, CNS fluid, and trauma exudate. A combination of biological samples can be used in the methods of the present disclosure. In some cases, the biological sample is a stool sample.

[0245] Cell lysis and / or nucleic acid extraction from a biological sample can be performed by any suitable method, including physical methods, chemical methods, or a combination of both. Nucleic acids can be isolated from biological samples using shearing methods that preserve the integrity and continuity of genomic DNA.

[0246] Amplicon approach can be used to prepare extracted nucleic acids for microbiome profiling. In some cases, the method does not use an amplification step. An example of such a method includes preparing samples for sequencing by Whole Genome Shotgun (WGS) sequencing. These approaches can be beneficial by eliminating amplification bias that can distort microbial distribution.

[0247] The profiling method may include determining sequence information of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) operons, 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA, rRNA internal transcribed spacers, intergenic regions, variable regions, and any combination thereof. The method may include the use of target-specific nucleic acid probes. The method may include the use of sequencing, such as next-generation sequencing. The method may include the use of long-read sequencing. [Example]

[0248] Example 1 Preclinical studies in rodents This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the microbial composition of the present disclosure after daily administration to Sprague Dawley rats (40 animals) over a 28 day period.

[0249] The dosing regimen used in the study is shown in Table 1. Four study arms were used: placebo (i.e., no microorganism); a composition containing strain 1 only; a composition containing strains 1+5+6+8; and a composition containing strains 5+6+8. Strain 1 is Akkermansia muciniphila, a mucin-degrading microorganism. Strains 5, 6, and 8 are butyrate-producing microorganisms Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Eubacterium hallii, respectively. PO means per os (oral administration). The amount of microorganism used per serving size is shown in Table 2. Table 1: Dose administration [Table 1] Table 2: Microbial load (CFU per serving) [Table 2]

[0250] Compound Administration Route: The compositions, as described in Table 1, were administered orally (Per os, PO) to the animals.

[0251] Dosage preparation: A separate vial of lyophilized powder was used for each study arm for each dosing day, along with a vial of diluent packaged under anaerobic conditions. Prior to dosing, the diluent was drawn into a syringe and injected into the vial of lyophilized powder. Then, as quickly as possible, the appropriate amount was withdrawn and administered to each of the 10 animals in that study arm.

[0252] Test system: Main study animals: 40 Crl:CD(SD) male rats; Extra animals: 4 Crl:CD(SD) male rats Clinical observations were performed routinely at each scheduled time point. Body weight: Body weight was recorded before each administration of the composition. Blood / Specimen Collection: a) Feces were collected from all animals on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. On these days, feces were collected at three intervals over a 24-hour period. In addition, feces were collected on days 34 and / or 35, as described above, with n=5 / animal / group. Feces were collected, frozen, and transported to the testing facility after each sample interval (1,020 samples). b) Terminal Blood Samples - At the end of the study, blood (as much as possible) was collected from all animals. An aliquot of the blood was processed appropriately and analyzed for clinical chemistry and CBC with differential (animals sacrificed on day 28 only). The remainder was processed to either serum or plasma, frozen, and shipped to the testing facility. Number of samples: Clinical Pathology - 20 specimens Terminal samples - 40 samples c) Necropsy - n=5 animals / group were sacrificed on day 28, the remaining animals were sacrificed on day 35 (after a 7 day washout). Necropsy on Day 28 - Colon, proximal small intestine and distal small intestine were collected from all animals. Samples were flash frozen and shipped to the testing facility. Necropsy on Day 35 - Gross necropsy (no samples collected).

[0253] The results of the study are shown in Figures 3-6, which show data from fecal samples of rats from various study groups, demonstrating microbial detection using target-specific nucleic acid probes. The results demonstrated that select microorganisms administered orally to rodents colonized the gastrointestinal tract.

[0254] In Figure 3, the dashed box corresponds to day -1 and refers to the baseline sample (i.e., before intervention) for each group. The "placebo" panel showed that false positive detection was very low due to the high specificity of the nucleic acid probe used in the study. On day "-1", there were no false positive hits for any of the groups, which further demonstrated that the nucleic acid probe designed for the study was specific for the microbial DNA being tested. This also demonstrated that the exogenous microorganisms that were part of the composition were absent in rats before intervention.

[0255] In Figure 4, the dashed boxes correspond to day 34 and indicate the washout samples for each group (i.e., 1 week after intervention). Data from the washout period for groups receiving strain 1 alone and strains 1 + 5 + 6 + 8 showed that strains 1 and 8 engrafted at detectable levels. The data also showed that strain 8 increased over time and engrafted only when administered with strain 1. In the absence of strain 1 (see the study group panel for strains 5 + 6 + 8), strain 8 did not engraft. Thus, engraftment of strain 1, a mucin-degrading microorganism, promoted engraftment of strain 8, a butyrate-producing strain. Furthermore, it was also observed that strain 1 engrafted by approximately day 2 of intervention, while strain 8 required more than two weeks (e.g., three weeks) of exposure in the presence of strain 1 for engraftment to occur. The increased amount of strain 8 detected by day 14 may be an indicator of engraftment at approximately the two-week point.

[0256] Figure 5 shows the detection data from day 2 of intervention for the group administered Strains 1, 5, 6, and 8. Time 0 represents the time of administration of the microbial composition. The transit time of the microbial composition through the rats' gastrointestinal tract was calculated to be within an approximately 8-16 hour window. Strain 1 was detected in rat fecal material before the transit time, indicating the possibility of engraftment of Strain 1. This suggested that Strain 1 had engrafted. This was confirmed by the detection of Strain 1 in washout samples. Therefore, the ratio of the detection signal from the early collection time to the late collection time (e.g., corresponding to various times from administration) can be used as an engraftment indicator of the administered microorganism. For example, the ratio between the strain detected at the early collection time (e.g., 8-16 hours after administration) and the strain detected at the late collection time (e.g., 16 hours after administration) can indicate strain engraftment (e.g., if the strain level remains detectable or consistent over time). In some cases, the amount of strain detected may vary based on the administration regimen and the transit time through the gastrointestinal tract for collection. Detection of the presence of the administered strain in a fecal sample before or after the transit window (e.g., the expected time for the administered microorganism to transit through the subject's gastrointestinal tract) can indicate engraftment. Detection of such presence can indicate that the administered strain is present in the intestinal tract even in the absence of administration (e.g., during or after the washout period).

[0257] Figure 6 shows detection data from day 27 of intervention for the groups administered strains 1 + 5 + 6 + 8 (left panel) and strains 5 + 6 + 8 (right panel). Both strains 1 and 8 had transit times of approximately 8-16 hours, but were detected at the 0 and 0-8 hour collection time points for the group administered strains 1 + 5 + 6 + 8. This indicates that strains 1 and 8 had already engrafted, as confirmed by their detection during the washout period. Therefore, this data further demonstrates that the ratio of detection signal from early to late collection times can indicate continuous engraftment.

[0258] Data from animal clinical observations, plasma chemistry, hematology panels and necropsy evaluation confirmed that there were no adverse effects on rodents from the administered compositions. Example 2 Clinical trials

[0259] Research format: This is an open-label, uncontrolled dose-escalation study in which all subjects receive a study food containing the disclosed microorganisms. The study focuses on evaluating the safety and fecal detection of orally administered microorganisms during and after dose escalation. The initial dose of the composition was guided by the amount administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats for 28 days without adverse effects (see Example 1). Figure 7 and Table 3 show the dosage for this study. Lower doses are administered on days 0-6. If no adverse effects are observed after 7 days of administration, the amount consumed is increased fivefold for days 7-14. Subjects then enter a 14-day washout period during which they are not administered the study food. Table 3: Dosage [Table 3]

[0260] Monitoring for adverse effects continues through Day 28, with stool samples collected on Days 20 and 27. Subjects' medical histories are reviewed at screening, and clinical histories are reviewed on Days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Stool samples, clinical chemistry, hematology profile, plasma SCFA, and cytokine panels are collected at each of these clinic visits.

[0261] Duration of the study: The total duration of subject participation is approximately 35 days, with a screening visit occurring 3-7 days prior to the baseline visit on Day 0, when consumption begins. After initial consumption, active participation extends through Day 28.

[0262] Number of targets: Approximately 20 healthy subjects

[0263] Microbial Compositions and Administration: Coated capsules containing a substantially dry population of lyophilized microorganisms are used. The capsules are designed to disintegrate in the intestine. Subjects consume one to five capsules within 30 minutes before the start of breakfast and dinner for 14 days. Study capsule allocation is outlined in Table 4. Each capsule contains the microorganisms (Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, and B. infantis), inulin (chicory), sucrose, trehalose, glycerin, maltodextrin, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Study food is provided in sealed, labeled, amber screw-cap bottles. Each bottle contains the number of capsules necessary to support 7 days of administration, plus 10 capsules to cover any need for refills and ensure at least three capsules remain for return for replicate stability testing. At each dosage level, all capsules have the same content. Study food is stored refrigerated except at the time of consumption for distribution to subjects and removal of the designated amount. Table 4: Study food capsule allocation [Table 4]

[0264] Research method: Prior to all screening and study visits, subjects are asked to fast overnight for at least 10 hours (i.e., no food or beverages other than water). On the morning of each scheduled visit (ideally between 07:00 and 09:00), subjects report to the clinical research site. For all applicable study visits, subjects refrain from administering the morning dose of study product before the visit. Subjects bring study food to the study site to consume while at the clinic. There are a total of six visits for each subject. The first visit is a screening visit 3–7 days prior to study initiation, during which blood samples are collected. The second visit is Day 0 (when consumption begins), during which both blood and stool samples are collected. Assessment data using the sample collected on Day 0 serve as baseline values. The remaining four visits are Days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Both blood and stool samples are collected at these visits for outcome assessment.

[0265] Treatment outcome ratings: During this study, blood will be collected for various analytes and panels, including chemistry, hematology, SCFAs, and inflammatory markers. The total volume of blood collected (during the entire study) is expected to be less than 60 mL or 2 ounces for each subject. Whole stool samples will be collected and processed immediately after collection. Whole stool samples will be divided into four equal fractions, and each fraction will be subjected to microbiome profiling to detect the administered microorganisms.

[0266] Figure 8 presents data showing the relative amounts of the administered microorganisms detected in the fecal material of subjects administered the therapeutic composition during various stages of treatment. The data showed that engraftment of the administered microorganisms occurred, as seen in the washout samples. Example 3 Stool collection

[0267] Stool collection, such as that required for the study described in Example 2, can be performed with the stool collection device shown in Figure 9. Stool collection can be performed from the patient's home. As shown in Figure 9, the device has three separate components: a stability frame for positioning the collection bucket on the toilet bowl; a bar-coded stool collection bucket; and a stool bucket lid, optionally with a label for the collection date and time. The device can be positioned on the toilet seat in two different ways. The toilet seat can be raised, or the stool collection device can be placed horizontally on the edge of the toilet bowl. The narrow side of the frame can be positioned toward the rear edge of the toilet bowl. Depending on the individual's anatomy, the narrow side of the frame can be positioned toward the front of the toilet bowl, which may better facilitate obtaining a stool sample. The toilet seat can also be lowered to secure the stool collection device.

[0268] How to use: Empty your bladder completely. Remove all items from the biohazard bag. Use sanitary wipes to clean the toilet seat and rim of the toilet bowl. Write the date (month / day / year) on the bucket lid label with the provided ballpoint pen and check the box corresponding to the time. Remove the lid from the bucket and place it in the biohazard bag. Assemble the device by securely inserting the collection bucket (Figure 9B) into the stability frame (Figure 9A). Do not touch the inside of the bucket. Raise the toilet seat and place the device horizontally on the rim of the toilet bowl. The narrow side of the frame should face the rear edge of the toilet bowl. Depending on the subject's anatomy, repositioning the narrow side of the frame facing the front of the toilet bowl may better facilitate stool sample acquisition. Lower the toilet seat to secure the device. Sit on the toilet bowl and position yourself so that the stool sample falls directly into the bucket. Do not urinate or put toilet paper in the collection bucket. When finished, use toilet paper to clean and discard the used toilet paper outside the bucket. Flush the toilet. When finished, lift the toilet seat and remove the device from the toilet bowl. Place the device on a flat surface. Press down on the stability frame to detach it from the collection bucket. Discard the frame. Remove the lid from the biohazard bag and push it onto the collection bucket. A "click" will indicate the lid is secure. Place the sealed collection bucket into the empty biohazard bag and close the bag. Place the closed biohazard bag containing the collected stool sample in the freezer. After 4 hours or longer, package the biohazard bag containing the collection bucket in an insulated shipping package. Add 2-3 ice packs to the shipping package and ship the package to the testing facility. Example 4 Isolation of mucin-degrading or mucin-modulating microorganisms using selective media

[0269] This example describes an illustrative selective medium used to isolate mucin-degrading microorganisms. The selective medium contains mucin, which serves as a primary energy source. Mucin-degrading microorganisms are able to degrade mucin and grow in the selective medium, while microorganisms lacking the ability to degrade mucin are unable to grow.

[0270] Preparation of selective medium: The following components were mixed to a final volume of 800 mL: rumen fluid, vitamins, minerals, basal salt solution, calcium chloride, cysteine ​​chloride, and water. The mixture was degassed for 20 minutes and filtered. 2.5 grams of purified mucin was resuspended in 200 mL of distilled water, sealed in serum vials, and autoclaved at 121°C for 20 minutes. The mucin solution was mixed with the filtered solution to produce the selective medium.

[0271] Target isolation: Fresh feces were used for the isolation experiments. The isolated microorganisms were grown in selective media. Figure 10 shows the isolates grown in selective media.

[0272] Informatics Screening: Selectively isolated microorganisms were identified using sequencing and bioinformatics tools.

[0273] Characterization of the new strain: The identified strains were characterized using genomic and biochemical assays.

[0274] Table 5 shows the 16S rRNA consensus sequences of six illustrative mucin-degrading Akkermansia muciniphila strains identified using the methods of the present disclosure. Table 5: Illustrative mucin-degrading microorganisms [Table 5-1] [Table 5-2] [Table 5-3] [Table 5-4] [Table 5-5] Example 5 Short-chain fatty acid production

[0275] Figure 11 shows the levels of short-chain fatty acids produced by the microorganisms of the present disclosure. The short-chain fatty acids produced by each microorganism indicate that the microorganism's predicted genomic function matches its actual function. Microorganisms A-D primarily produced acetate, which can serve as a substrate (e.g., a butyrate intermediate) for butyrate production by butyrate-producing microorganisms. Microorganisms E, F, and G primarily produced butyrate. A combination of a first microorganism that produces a butyrate intermediate (e.g., any of microorganisms A-D) and a second microorganism that converts the intermediate to butyrate (e.g., any of microorganisms E-G) can be utilized to treat a condition. In one non-limiting example, strain A can be Bifidobacterium adolescentis (BADO). In one non-limiting example, strain B can be Bifidobacterium infantis (BINF). In one non-limiting example, strain C can be Bifidobacterium longum (BLON). In one non-limiting example, strain D can be Clostridium indolis (CIND). In one non-limiting example, strain E can be Clostridium beijerinckii (CBEI). In one non-limiting example, strain F can be Clostridium butyricum (CBUT). In one non-limiting example, strain G can be Eubacterium hallii (EHAL). Example 6 Stability studies on microbial compositions

[0276] 12 shows stability data for a composition comprising obligate anaerobic microorganisms (e.g., Clostridium beijerinckii and Clostridium butyricum) in a substantially dry form produced by lyophilization. The composition was stored at 4°C or room temperature for 84 days, and the number of viable cells in the composition was quantified by flow cytometry during the storage period. The data showed that the composition was stable for at least 84 days at both 4°C and room temperature. Example 7 Hypoallergenic microbial composition

[0277] For example, the compositions provided herein contain reduced or minimal amounts of allergens for patients who are allergic to soybean, peanut, shellfish, wheat or milk.Such compositions can also be beneficial for disorders in which these agents can act as irritants that exacerbate symptoms, such as inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS).

[0278] Table 6 shows the allergen analysis for the microbial compositions of the present disclosure. The allergens are present in amounts so small that they do not cause an allergic reaction. [Table 6] Example 8 Studies to evaluate engraftment-enhancing microbial compositions in human subjects

[0279] the purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of the engraftment-enhancing microbial composition of the present disclosure in promoting engraftment of exogenously administered microorganisms in human subjects.

[0280] method: Thirty human subjects will participate in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study. 1) Placebo group: 10 human subjects are administered a placebo composition lacking microorganisms. 2) Control group: 10 human subjects are administered a control composition containing at least one butyrate-producing microorganism but lacking mucin-degrading microorganisms. 3) Experimental group: 10 human subjects will be administered an experimental microbial composition containing at least one butyrate-producing microorganism and at least one mucin-degrading microorganism.

[0281] For each group, the microbial composition is orally administered twice a day (e.g., before breakfast and before dinner) for two weeks. The intestinal microbiome profile (e.g., using stool sample analysis) of each group of subjects is evaluated before and after completing the treatment regimen.

[0282] After treatment, subjects in the experimental group demonstrate engraftment of both the exogenously administered mucin-degrading microorganisms and the exogenously administered butyrate-producing microorganisms. In addition, the experimental group demonstrates at least 5% higher engraftment levels of butyrate-producing microorganisms compared to a control group that does not receive the mucin-degrading microorganisms. Example 9 Compositions for promoting microbial engraftment for the treatment of health conditions - Patent Application 20070122994

[0283] A subject is administered a microbial composition to treat a health condition (e.g., metabolic disorder, diabetes type 1 or type 2, insulin resistance, inflammation, IBS, diarrhea, autism, depression, eczema, rash) or to promote good gut health (e.g., improving the gut lining, reducing gastrointestinal disorders, restoring a healthy microbiome). The microbial composition includes one or more butyrate-producing microorganisms. The microbial composition lacks mucin-degrading microorganisms. Even after the administration regimen, the subject does not experience any improvement in symptoms. Profiling of the subject's gut microbiome indicates that the microorganisms in the composition have not colonized the subject. The subject is administered another microbial composition containing mucin-degrading microorganisms in addition to the other microorganisms included in the previous composition. Upon initiation of this composition, the subject experiences improvement in symptoms. Profiling of the subject's gut microbiome after the administration regimen is completed (e.g., after administration has ceased) indicates that the exogenous microorganisms administered in the composition have successfully colonized. Example 10 Studies to evaluate engraftment-enhancing microbial compositions in human subjects

[0284] the purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of the engraftment-enhancing microbial composition of the present disclosure in promoting engraftment of exogenously administered microorganisms in human subjects.

[0285] method: Human subjects participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study.

[0286] Placebo group: Human subjects were administered a placebo composition lacking microorganisms.

[0287] Control group: Human subjects were administered a control composition containing at least one butyrate-producing microorganism but lacking a mucin-degrading microorganism, for example, a composition containing strains 5, 6, and 9, which correspond to strains of Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively.

[0288] Experimental Group: Human subjects were administered an experimental microbial composition comprising at least one butyrate-producing microorganism and at least one mucin-degrading microorganism, e.g., a composition comprising strains 1, 5, 6, 8, and 9, corresponding to, for example, Akkermansia muciniphila, Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively.

[0289] For each group, the microbial composition was added to 2.7 x 10 9 ~4.8×10 10 Each microbial strain is orally administered twice a day (for example, before breakfast and before dinner) at a dose of 1000 CFU.The composition is administered for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period in which the microbial composition is not administered.The intestinal microbiome profile of the subject is evaluated by stool sample analysis before and during the treatment regimen and after a 4-week washout period.Stool samples are collected at baseline, 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks (4 weeks after the administration of the composition is stopped) to determine whether the administered bacterial strain can be detected in stool, and if detected, whether the strain persists after the administration of the composition is finished.

[0290] Stool samples were collected, immediately frozen, and kept cold until processing. Samples were resuspended in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 8.0) containing 5 mM EDTA, homogenized in a paddle homogenizer for 5 minutes, filtered through a 280 μM mesh, and then aliquoted and refrozen at -80°C. Frozen fecal samples were extracted using the DNeasy PowerSoil HTP96 kit, and the DNA content of specific target microorganisms was measured in qPCR reactions using primer pairs specifically designed for the detection of each strain. Duplicate eight-point standard curves, each with three technical replicates, were performed by diluting known amounts of purified genomic DNA from the target organisms. These standard curves were used to relate threshold cycle (Ct) values ​​to the DNA mass of the target organism for each sample.

[0291] Butyrate-producing microorganisms persisted throughout the washout period in a greater proportion of subjects in the experimental group than in the control group, demonstrating that engraftment of butyrate-producing microorganisms was enhanced when the butyrate-producing microorganisms were administered together with mucin-degrading microorganisms. Mucin-degrading microorganisms also engrafted in some subjects.

[0292] 13 shows the engraftment of butyrate-producing microorganisms when administered with mucin-degrading microorganisms as part of a composition of the present disclosure. Strain 1 is a mucin-degrading microorganism (e.g., Akkermansia muciniphila); strains 5, 6, 8, and 9 are butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively). Subjects were administered a placebo (top panel), a composition of the present disclosure containing only butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., strains 5, 6, and 9, corresponding to strains of Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively; middle panel), or a composition of the present disclosure containing butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., strains 5, 6, 8, and 9, corresponding to strains of Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively) and mucin-degrading microorganisms (e.g., strain 1, corresponding to Akkermansia muciniphila) (bottom panel) for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Each rectangle represents the relative abundance of the genome of a strain in a stool sample as indicated on the scale. Among subjects receiving only butyrate-producing microbes, only two subjects lacking strain 9 at baseline (week 0) demonstrated engraftment of strain 9 at washout (week 16). Among subjects receiving butyrate-producing microbes and mucin-degrading microbes, seven subjects lacking strain 9 at baseline demonstrated engraftment of strain 9 at washout, demonstrating enhanced engraftment of butyrate-producing microbes when administered with mucin-degrading microbes. TGMF = target genome mass fraction.

[0293] 14 shows the engraftment of butyrate-producing microorganisms when administered with mucin-degrading microorganisms as part of a composition of the present disclosure. Strain 1 is a mucin-degrading microorganism (e.g., Akkermansia muciniphila); strains 5, 6, 8, and 9 are butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively). Subjects were administered a placebo (right), a composition of the present disclosure comprising only butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., strains 5, 6, and 9, corresponding to strains of Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively; center), or a composition of the present disclosure comprising butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., strains 5, 6, 8, and 9, corresponding to strains of Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively) and mucin-degrading microorganisms (e.g., strain 1, corresponding to Akkermansia muciniphila) (left) for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Each rectangle represents the relative abundance of the strain's genome in stool samples obtained at a particular time (weeks, left y-axis) as indicated on the scale. Among subjects receiving only butyrate-producing microorganisms, two subjects lacking strain 9 at baseline (week 0), two subjects lacking strain 6 at baseline, and two subjects lacking strain 5 at baseline demonstrated engraftment of each strain at washout (week 12). Among subjects receiving butyrate-producing microorganisms and mucin-degrading microorganisms, seven subjects lacking strain 9 at baseline, six subjects lacking strain 6 at baseline, and six subjects lacking strain 5 at baseline demonstrated engraftment of each strain at washout. These data demonstrate enhanced engraftment of butyrate-producing microorganisms when administered with mucin-degrading microorganisms.

[0294] 15A-B show the engraftment of butyrate-producing microorganisms when administered with mucin-producing microorganisms as part of a composition of the present disclosure. Strain 1 is a mucin-degrading microorganism (e.g., Akkermansia muciniphila); strains 5, 6, 8, and 9 are butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively). Subjects were administered a composition of the present disclosure containing only butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., strains 5, 6, and 9, corresponding to Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively; upper panel) or a composition of the present disclosure containing butyrate-producing microorganisms (e.g., strains 5, 6, 8, and 9, corresponding to Clostridium beijerenckii, Clostridium butyricum, Eubacterium hallii, and Bifidobacterium infantis, respectively) and a mucin-degrading microorganism (e.g., strain 1, corresponding to Akkermansia muciniphila) (lower panel) for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Subjects' stool samples were processed, and the presence of the strains was detected by qPCR. Figure 15A shows the percentage of qPCR reactions in which the indicated strains were detected at baseline (week 0), week 4 of dosing, week 12 of dosing, and the subsequent 4-week washout period (week 16). Figure 15B shows the percentage of qPCR reactions in which the indicated strains were detected at baseline (week 0) and the subsequent washout period (week 16).

[0295] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many modifications, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein can be used in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention, and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. The present invention provides, for example, the following items. (Item 1) Therapeutically effective amounts of isolated and purified butyrate-producing microorganisms A composition comprising: the engraftment of the butyrate-producing microorganism in the subject is increased in the presence of mucin-degrading microorganisms in the subject; composition. (Item 2) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the engraftment is indicated by an increase in the relative abundance of the butyrate-producing microorganisms in the subject. (Item 3) Item 1, wherein the increase in engraftment of the butyrate-producing microorganisms is indicated by an increase of at least about one order of magnitude in the amount of nucleic acid of the butyrate-producing microorganisms in the subject compared to a subject lacking the mucin-degrading microorganisms, as measured by qPCR or sequencing. (Item 4) 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the measuring comprises the use of strain-specific primers. (Item 5) 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the measuring is performed on a stool sample of the subject after administration of the composition. (Item 6) 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the stool sample is collected at least 12 hours after administration of the composition. (Item 7) 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the stool sample is collected at least 7 days after administration of the composition. (Item 8) 2. The composition of claim 1, formulated for engraftment of the butyrate-producing microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject. (Item 9) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the butyrate-producing microorganisms and the mucin-degrading microorganisms are co-localized in a region of the subject's gastrointestinal tract. (Item 10) 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the region of the digestive tract is the ileum region, the colon region, or both. (Item 11) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the subject lacks the butyrate-producing microorganism prior to the engraftment. (Item 12) 2. The composition of claim 1, further comprising the mucin-degrading microorganism. (Item 13) 13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the subject lacks the mucin-degrading microorganism in the absence of the composition. (Item 14) 13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the butyrate-producing microorganisms only survive in the presence of the mucin-degrading microorganisms in the composition. (Item 15) 13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the engraftment of the butyrate-producing microorganism occurs after the engraftment of the mucin-degrading microorganism in the subject. (Item 16) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the butyrate-producing microorganisms do not survive in the subject in the absence of the mucin-degrading microorganisms. (Item 17) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the engraftment of the butyrate-producing microorganisms is increased by at least about 5% in the subject in the presence of the mucin-degrading microorganisms. (Item 18) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the butyrate-producing microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium beijerenckii. (Item 19) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the butyrate-producing microorganism is Clostridium beijerenckii. (Item 20) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the butyrate-producing microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Eubacterium hallii. (Item 21) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the butyrate-producing microorganism is Eubacterium hallii. (Item 22) The butyrate-producing microorganism is Clostridium butyricum 16S 2. The composition of claim 1, comprising a 16S rRNA sequence that comprises at least about 95% sequence identity to the rRNA sequence. (Item 23) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the butyrate-producing microorganism is Clostridium butyricum. (Item 24) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the butyrate-producing microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Bifidobacterium infantis. (Item 25) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the butyrate-producing microorganism is Bifidobacterium infantis. (Item 26) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the mucin-degrading microorganism is capable of growing in a culture medium comprising mucin as a primary energy source. (Item 27) The mucin-degrading microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila 16S 2. The composition of claim 1, comprising a 16S rRNA sequence that comprises at least about 95% sequence identity to the rRNA sequence. (Item 28) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the mucin-degrading microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 6. (Item 29) Item 2. The composition of item 1, wherein the mucin-degrading microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila. (Item 30) 2. The composition of claim 1, formulated for oral delivery. (Item 31) 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is formulated as a capsule comprising an enteric coating, wherein the capsule does not substantially release the butyrate-producing microorganisms before reaching the intestinal region of the subject. (Item 32) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the butyrate-producing microorganism and the mucin-degrading microorganism are obligate anaerobes. (Item 33) 2. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a prebiotic. (Item 34) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the prebiotic is inulin. (Item 35) 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is substantially free of peanuts, wheat, soybeans, shellfish, or combinations thereof. (Item 36) 2. The composition of claim 1, formulated as a substantially dry powder. (Item 37) 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the butyrate-producing microorganism is derived from a non-animal source. (Item 38) 2. The composition of claim 1, comprising milk. (Item 39) 2. The composition according to item 1, which is milk-free. (Item 40) A therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified population comprising a first microorganism and a second microorganism. A composition comprising: the engraftment of the second microorganism in the subject requires the engraftment of the first microorganism in the subject; composition. (Item 41) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the first microorganism colonizes the subject before the second microorganism. (Item 42) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the subject lacks the first microorganism, the second microorganism, or both prior to the engraftment of the first microorganism, the engraftment of the second microorganism, or both. (Item 43) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the engraftment occurs in the digestive tract of the subject. (Item 44) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the first microorganism does not survive in the absence of the second microorganism in the composition. (Item 45) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the engraftment of the first microorganism is indicated by an increase in the relative abundance of the first microorganism in the subject. (Item 46) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the engraftment of the second microorganism is indicated by an increase in the relative abundance of the second microorganism in the subject. (Item 47) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the engraftment of the second microorganism is indicated by an increase of at least about one order of magnitude in the amount of nucleic acid of the second microorganism in the subject compared to a comparison subject that has not been administered the composition or that has been administered a composition lacking the first microorganism, as measured by qPCR or sequencing. (Item 48) 48. The composition of claim 47, wherein said measuring comprises the use of strain-specific primers. (Item 49) 48. The composition of claim 47, wherein the measuring is performed on a stool sample of the subject after administration of the composition. (Item 50) 50. The composition of claim 49, wherein the stool sample is collected at least 12 hours after the administration of the composition. (Item 51) 50. The composition of claim 49, wherein the stool sample is collected at least 7 days after the administration of the composition. (Item 52) 41. The composition of claim 40, formulated for engraftment of the first or second microorganism in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject. (Item 53) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the first and second microorganisms are co-localized in a region of the subject's gastrointestinal tract. (Item 54) 54. The composition of claim 53, wherein the region of the digestive tract is the ileum region, the colon region, or both. (Item 55) 41. The composition according to item 40, wherein the first microorganism is a mucin-degrading microorganism. (Item 56) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the mucin-degrading microorganism is capable of growing in a culture medium containing mucin as a primary energy source. (Item 57) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Akkermansia muciniphila. (Item 58) 41. The composition of item 40, wherein the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 6. (Item 59) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the first microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila. (Item 60) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the second microorganism is a butyrate-producing microorganism. (Item 61) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium beijerenckii. (Item 62) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the second microorganism is Clostridium beijerenckii. (Item 63) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Eubacterium hallii. (Item 64) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the second microorganism is Eubacterium hallii. (Item 65) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium butyricum. (Item 66) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the second microorganism is Clostridium butyricum. (Item 67) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Bifidobacterium infantis. (Item 68) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the second microorganism is Bifidobacterium infantis. (Item 69) 41. The composition of item 40, formulated for oral delivery. (Item 70) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the composition is formulated as a capsule comprising an enteric coating, wherein the capsule does not substantially release the butyrate-producing microorganisms before reaching the intestinal region of the subject. (Item 71) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the first and second microorganisms are obligate anaerobes. (Item 72) 41. The composition of item 40, further comprising a prebiotic. (Item 73) 41. The composition according to item 40, wherein the prebiotic is inulin. (Item 74) 41. The composition of claim 40, which is substantially free of peanuts, wheat, soybeans, shellfish, or combinations thereof. (Item 75) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the first and second microorganisms are formulated as a substantially dry powder in the composition. (Item 76) 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the first and second microorganisms are derived from a non-animal source. (Item 77) 41. The composition of item 40, further comprising milk. (Item 78) 41. The composition according to item 40, which is milk-free. (Item 79) A therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified population comprising a first microorganism and a second microorganism. A composition comprising: the engraftment of the second microorganism in the subject occurs after the engraftment of the first microorganism in the subject; composition. (Item 80) 80. The composition of item 79, wherein the engraftment of the first or second microorganism is indicated by an increase in relative abundance in the subject. (Item 81) 80. The composition of item 79, wherein the engraftment of the second microorganism is indicated by an increase of at least about one order of magnitude in the amount of nucleic acid of the second microorganism in the subject compared to a comparison subject that has not been administered the composition or that has been administered a composition lacking the first microorganism, as measured by qPCR or sequencing. (Item 82) 82. The composition of claim 81, wherein the measuring comprises the use of strain-specific primers. (Item 83) 82. The composition of claim 81, wherein the measuring is performed on a stool sample of the subject after administration of the composition. (Item 84) 84. The composition of claim 83, wherein the stool sample is collected at least 12 hours after the administration of the composition. (Item 85) 84. The composition of claim 83, wherein the stool sample is collected at least 7 days after the administration of the composition. (Item 86) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the engraftment occurs in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject. (Item 87) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the second microorganism does not survive in the absence of the first microorganism in the composition. (Item 88) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the first microorganism is a mucin-degrading microorganism. (Item 89) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the mucin-degrading microorganism is capable of growing in a culture medium comprising mucin as a primary energy source. (Item 90) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Akkermansia muciniphila. (Item 91) 80. The composition of item 79, wherein the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. (Item 92) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the first microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila. (Item 93) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the second microorganism is a butyrate-producing microorganism. (Item 94) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium beijerenckii. (Item 95) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the second microorganism is Clostridium beijerenckii. (Item 96) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Eubacterium hallii. (Item 97) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the second microorganism is Eubacterium hallii. (Item 98) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium butyricum. (Item 99) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the second microorganism is Clostridium butyricum. (Item 100) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Bifidobacterium infantis. (Item 101) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the second microorganism is Bifidobacterium infantis. (Item 102) 80. The composition of item 79, formulated for oral delivery. (Item 103) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the composition is formulated as a capsule comprising an enteric coating, wherein the capsule does not substantially release the butyrate-producing microorganisms prior to the intestine of the subject. (Item 104) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the first and second microorganisms are obligate anaerobes. (Item 105) 80. The composition of item 79, further comprising a prebiotic. (Item 106) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the prebiotic is inulin. (Item 107) 80. The composition of claim 79, which is substantially free of peanuts, wheat, soybeans, shellfish, or combinations thereof. (Item 108) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the first and second microorganisms are formulated as a substantially dry powder in the composition. (Item 109) 80. The composition of claim 79, wherein the first and second microorganisms are derived from a non-animal source. (Item 110) 80. The composition of item 79, further comprising milk. (Item 111) 80. The composition of item 79, which does not contain milk. (Item 112) A therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified population comprising a first microorganism. A composition comprising: the first microorganism does not engraft in the subject in the absence of the second microorganism in the subject; composition. (Item 113) 113. The composition of claim 112, further comprising the second microorganism, wherein the second microorganism is isolated and purified. (Item 114) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the second microorganism is a mucin-degrading microorganism. (Item 115) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the second microorganism is capable of growing in a culture medium comprising mucin as a primary energy source. (Item 116) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Akkermansia muciniphila. (Item 117) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. (Item 118) Item 113. The composition of item 112, wherein the second microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila. (Item 119) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the first microorganism is a butyrate-producing microorganism. (Item 120) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium beijerenckii. (Item 121) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the first microorganism is Clostridium beijerenckii. (Item 122) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Eubacterium hallii. (Item 123) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the first microorganism is Eubacterium hallii. (Item 124) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium butyricum. (Item 125) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the first microorganism is Clostridium butyricum. (Item 126) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Bifidobacterium infantis. (Item 127) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the first microorganism is Bifidobacterium infantis. (Item 128) 13. The composition of claim 112, wherein the engraftment of the first microorganism is indicated by an increase in the relative abundance of the first microorganism in the subject. (Item 129) 129. The composition of claim 128, wherein the engraftment of the first microorganism is indicated by an increase of at least about one order of magnitude in the amount of nucleic acid of the first microorganism in the subject compared to a comparison subject that has not been administered the composition or that has been administered a composition lacking the second microorganism, as measured by qPCR or sequencing. (Item 130) 129. The composition of claim 128, wherein said measuring comprises the use of strain-specific primers. (Item 131) Item 129. The composition of item 128, wherein the measuring is performed on a stool sample of the subject after administration of the composition. (Item 132) 132. The composition of claim 131, wherein the stool sample is collected at least 12 hours after the administration of the composition. (Item 133) 132. The composition of claim 131, wherein the stool sample is collected at least 7 days after the administration of the composition. (Item 134) 113. The composition of claim 112, formulated for oral delivery. (Item 135) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the composition is formulated as a capsule comprising an enteric coating, wherein the capsule does not substantially release the butyrate-producing microorganisms prior to the intestine of the subject. (Item 136) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the first and second microorganisms are obligate anaerobes. (Item 137) 113. The composition of claim 112, further comprising a prebiotic. (Item 138) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the prebiotic is inulin. (Item 139) 113. The composition of claim 112, which is substantially free of peanuts, wheat, soybeans, shellfish, or combinations thereof. (Item 140) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the first and second microorganisms are formulated as a substantially dry powder in the composition. (Item 141) 113. The composition of claim 112, wherein the first and second microorganisms are derived from a non-animal source. (Item 142) 113. The composition of claim 112, further comprising milk. (Item 143) 113. The composition of item 112, which is milk-free. (Item 144) A therapeutic composition for administration to a human subject, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified population of substantially dried microorganisms comprising a first microorganism and a second microorganism; the population, when administered daily for 28 days to wild-type rats lacking the first microorganism and the second microorganism, results in engraftment of the first microorganism in the wild-type rats 1 day after administration and engraftment of the second microorganism 7 days after administration. Therapeutic composition. (Item 145) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the engraftment is measured by performing an assay on a stool sample from the wild-type rat. (Item 146) 146. The therapeutic composition of claim 145, wherein the assay comprises detecting nucleic acids of the first microorganism and the second microorganism in the stool sample. (Item 147) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the population of substantially dried microorganisms is derived from a non-animal source. (Item 148) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the population of substantially dried microorganisms is viable in the human subject. (Item 149) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, which is substantially free of peanuts, wheat, soybeans, shellfish, or any combination thereof. (Item 150) 145. The therapeutic composition of item 144, comprising milk. (Item 151) 145. The therapeutic composition of item 144, which is milk-free. (Item 152) Item 145. The therapeutic composition of item 144, wherein the engraftment occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. (Item 153) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the first microorganism is a mucin-degrading microorganism. (Item 154) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the mucin-degrading microorganism is capable of growing in a culture medium containing mucin as a primary energy source. (Item 155) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Akkermansia muciniphila. (Item 156) 145. The therapeutic composition of item 144, wherein the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. (Item 157) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the first microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila. (Item 158) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the second microorganism is a butyrate-producing microorganism. (Item 159) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium beijerenckii. (Item 160) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the second microorganism is Clostridium beijerenckii. (Item 161) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Eubacterium hallii. (Item 162) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the second microorganism is Eubacterium hallii. (Item 163) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium butyricum. (Item 164) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the second microorganism is Clostridium butyricum. (Item 165) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Bifidobacterium infantis. (Item 166) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the second microorganism is Bifidobacterium infantis. (Item 167) 145. The therapeutic composition of item 144, formulated for oral delivery. (Item 168) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the composition is formulated as a capsule comprising an enteric coating, wherein the capsule does not substantially release the butyrate-producing microorganisms prior to the intestine of the subject. (Item 169) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the first and second microorganisms are obligate anaerobes. (Item 170) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, further comprising a prebiotic. (Item 171) 145. The therapeutic composition of claim 144, wherein the prebiotic is inulin. (Item 172) A therapeutic composition for administration to a human subject, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated and purified population of substantially dried microorganisms comprising a first microorganism and a second microorganism; when the population is administered daily for 28 days to wild-type rats lacking the first microorganism and the second microorganism, it results in engraftment of the first microorganism and the second microorganism in the digestive tract of the wild-type rat, and when the second microorganism is administered as a population of microorganisms lacking the first microorganism, it does not engraft in the wild-type rat. Therapeutic composition. (Item 173) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the engraftment is measured by performing an assay on a stool sample from the wild-type rat. (Item 174) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the assay comprises detecting nucleic acids of the first microorganism and the second microorganism in the stool sample. (Item 175) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the population of substantially dried microorganisms is derived from a non-animal source. (Item 176) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the population of substantially dried microorganisms is viable in the human subject. (Item 177) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, which is substantially free of peanuts, wheat, soybeans, shellfish, or any combination thereof. (Item 178) 173. The therapeutic composition of item 172, comprising milk. (Item 179) 173. The therapeutic composition of item 172, which is milk-free. (Item 180) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the first microorganism is a mucin-degrading microorganism. (Item 181) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the mucin-degrading microorganism is capable of growing in a culture medium comprising mucin as a primary energy source. (Item 182) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Akkermansia muciniphila. (Item 183) 173. The therapeutic composition of item 172, wherein the first microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 85% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. (Item 184) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the first microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila. (Item 185) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the second microorganism is a butyrate-producing microorganism. (Item 186) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium beijerenckii. (Item 187) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the second microorganism is Clostridium beijerenckii. (Item 188) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Eubacterium hallii. (Item 189) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the second microorganism is Eubacterium hallii. (Item 190) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Clostridium butyricum. (Item 191) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the second microorganism is Clostridium butyricum. (Item 192) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the second microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% sequence identity to the 16S rRNA sequence of Bifidobacterium infantis. (Item 193) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the second microorganism is Bifidobacterium infantis. (Item 194) 173. The therapeutic composition of item 172, formulated for oral delivery. (Item 195) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the composition is formulated as a capsule comprising an enteric coating, wherein the capsule does not substantially release the butyrate-producing microorganisms prior to the intestine of the subject. (Item 196) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the first and second microorganisms are obligate anaerobes. (Item 197) 173. The therapeutic composition of item 172, further comprising a prebiotic. (Item 198) 173. The therapeutic composition of claim 172, wherein the prebiotic is inulin. (Item 199) A composition comprising an isolated and purified mucin-degrading microorganism comprising a 16S rRNA sequence that comprises at least about 85% sequence identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. (Item 200) 200. The composition of claim 199, wherein the mucin-degrading microorganism is capable of growing in a culture medium comprising mucin as a primary energy source. (Item 201) 200. The composition of claim 199, wherein the microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 95% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. (Item 202) 200. The composition of claim 199, wherein the microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising at least about 99% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-6. (Item 203) 200. The composition of claim 199, wherein the microorganism comprises a 16S rRNA sequence comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 6. (Item 204) 204. A method for altering the microbiome in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject the composition of any one of items 1 to 203, thereby altering the microbiome. (Item 205) 205. The method of claim 204, wherein the administering step treats a disorder in the subject. (Item 206) 206. The method of claim 205, wherein the disorder is a metabolic disorder. (Item 207) 206. The method of claim 205, wherein the disorder is type II diabetes. (Item 208) 206. The method of claim 205, wherein the disorder is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (Item 209) 206. The method of claim 205, wherein the disorder is selected from the group consisting of a metabolic disorder, a skin disorder, a neurological disorder, a dysbiosis, an inflammation, or any combination thereof. (Item 210) 205. The method of claim 204, wherein the microbiome is a gut microbiome. (Item 211) 211. The method of any one of items 204 to 210, wherein the administering step occurs after completion of an antibiotic regimen.

Claims

1. A composition for use in a method for enhancing the survival of a butyrate-producing microorganism in a subject, said composition comprising a mucin-degrading microorganism and a butyrate-producing microorganism, said composition comprising the mucin-degrading microorganism in an amount effective to enhance the survival of the butyrate-producing microorganism in said subject compared to the survival of the butyrate-producing microorganism in the absence of the mucin-degrading microorganism, wherein the mucin-degrading microorganism is Akkermansia muciniphila and the butyrate-producing microorganism is Eubacterium hallii.

2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the engraftment is enhanced by at least about 5%.

3. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein said engraftment is indicated by an increase in the relative abundance of butyrate-producing microorganisms in said subject for more than four weeks after administration has ceased.

4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is formulated for oral delivery.

5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered in combination with a prebiotic.

6. The composition of claim 5 , wherein the prebiotic is inulin.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the subject has a disorder selected from the group consisting of insulin resistance, type I diabetes, type II diabetes, gestational diabetes, juvenile diabetes, metabolic disorders, skin disorders, neurological disorders, dysbiosis, and any combination thereof.

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