Faecalibacterium prausnitzii-derived extracellular vesicles ameliorate experimental colitis through regulating barrier immunity and gut microbiota

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is closely linked to intestinal barrier dysfunction and gut dysbiosis. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) act as key mediators of bacteria-host crosstalk, with great potential in regulating host health. Recent studies have shown that EVs derived from gut commensal bacteria offer therapeutic advantages in treating UC. Herein, we explored the therapeutic effect of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii-derived EVs (PEVs) in DSS-induced colitis mice. Results showed PEVs significantly improved intestinal barrier damage, restored Th17/Treg balance and alleviated gut dysbiosis. Further fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) confirmed that feces from PEVs-treated mice transferred beneficial effects to recipient colitis mice. Collectively, our findings indicate that commensal gut microbiota-derived nanovesicles have the potential to serve as candidates for UC treatment.