escherichia coli nissle 1917

Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 is a live probiotic bacterial strain used as a **microbiome-directed therapeutic** for gastrointestinal disease, most notably **ulcerative colitis**. It is a nonpathogenic *E. coli* strain formulated clinically as **Mutaflor** and has been studied as oral capsules and rectal enemas. Its therapeutic activity appears to be **multifactorial rather than mediated by a single receptor target**: EcN colonizes the intestine, competes with pathogenic bacteria for niche space and adhesion sites, produces antimicrobial factors such as microcins, induces epithelial host-defense programs including **human beta-defensin 2**, and helps reinforce mucosal barrier integrity through effects on tight-junction proteins and mucins. In clinical studies, EcN has shown efficacy roughly comparable to mesalazine for **maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis**, while add-on studies in active or mild-to-moderate UC have shown mixed but sometimes favorable effects on symptoms, endoscopic remission, and fecal calprotectin. The product has been historically developed and manufactured in Germany and is closely associated with Ardeypharm.

Brand names

Mutaflor

Other names

EcNE. coli Nissle 1917Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917non-pathogenic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917serotype O6:K5:H1