Methanogenic archaea bolster mucosal homeostasis and protect from colitis

Byrd, E. E.; Harris, B. W.; Zhang, H.; Warren, W. E.; Kolli, S. H.; Putelo, A. M.; McGinty, M. T.; Solga, M. D.; Rutkowski, M. R.; Kendall, M. M.

doi:10.64898/2026.01.19.700430

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.01.19.700430

Methanogenic archaea bolster mucosal homeostasis and protect from colitis

Byrd, E. E.·Harris, B. W.·Zhang, H.·Warren, W. E.·Kolli, S. H.·Putelo, A. M.·McGinty, M. T.·Solga, M. D.·Rutkowski, M. R.·Kendall, M. M.

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Abstract

The intestinal microbiota profoundly shapes host homeostasis and disease, yet the role of Archaea, which comprise [~]10% of the anaerobic gut microbiota, is poorly understood. Here, we find that colonization of germ-free or conventional mice with the human methanogens Methanobrevibacter smithii (MSm) or Methanosphaera stadtmanae (MSt) enhances epithelial regeneration, mucus production, and regulatory T cell accumulation. These methanogens protect against chemically induced colitis, demonstrating a direct and beneficial role for Archaea in maintaining colonic health.

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Byrd, E. E., Harris, B. W., Zhang, H., Warren, W. E., Kolli, S. H., Putelo, A. M., McGinty, M. T., Solga, M. D., Rutkowski, M. R., Kendall, M. M.. 2026-01-19. Methanogenic archaea bolster mucosal homeostasis and protect from colitis. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.01.19.700430

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