Indigenous gut microbiota

"Indigenous gut microbiota" refers to the complex, natural community of microorganisms—including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses—that reside in the human digestive tract. These organisms play integral roles in fermenting unused dietary substrates, producing essential vitamins, modulating the host's immune system, regulating gut and metabolic development, and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens[1][3][4][5]. The composition and function of the indigenous gut microbiota can vary widely between individuals and populations, influenced by genetic, environmental, and dietary factors. Alterations in the indigenous gut microbiota (dysbiosis) are associated with numerous diseases, including metabolic, gastrointestinal, and inflammatory conditions[1][4][3]. The indigenous gut microbiota is not a single molecule, protein, or receptor and, therefore, is not a canonical therapeutic target in the strict sense applied to defined receptors or enzymes, but rather a broad ecological target or context for interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and FMT[2][4][6]. It is not a receptor, enzyme, or single molecular entity.

Other names

Indigenous gut floraNative gut microbiomeResident gut microbiotaCommensal gut microbiota

Restoration of microbial diversity (e.g., FMT, probiotics); Modulation of immune response; Inhibition of specific pathogens; Production or consumption of metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids); Competitive exclusion of pathogens; Production of therapeutic proteins (engineered strains)