Lachnospiraceae

Lachnospiraceae is a large and diverse family of anaerobic, Gram-positive bacteria within the order Clostridiales (phylum Bacillota) that represent a major component of the human gut microbiota. These bacteria are primary fermenters of complex polysaccharides, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, acetate, and propionate, which are essential for maintaining colonocyte health and regulating immune signaling. A reduction in the abundance of Lachnospiraceae is frequently associated with dysbiosis and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), metabolic syndrome, and susceptibility to Clostridioides difficile infections. While Lachnospiraceae is a taxonomic family rather than a single molecular target, it is a key focal point for microbiome-based therapeutics. Current clinical approaches include fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and live biotherapeutic products (LBPs), such as SER-109, which aim to re-establish these beneficial commensals to treat gastrointestinal and systemic disorders.

Modulation of gut microbiome composition and metabolic output, particularly the production of butyrate, to restore intestinal barrier integrity and modulate systemic immune responses.