Toward indole postbiotics precision therapy via AI-powered drug delivery technologies

Recent advancements in microbiome research have revealed the restorative capacities of postbiotics, including indole and its derivatives generated via bacterial tryptophan metabolism. Widespread in prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities, indole and its derivatives are uniquely suited to promote host physiology and homeostasis at the host/microbe interface. In addition to suppressing the bacterial pathogenesis, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, and metabolic activities of indole and its derivatives make these postbiotics an attractive therapeutic option. However, their clinical translation is impeded by pharmacokinetic constraints, structural promiscuity, and formulation difficulties. This review examines the current status of indole bioactivities, identifies translational challenges, and suggests the use of artificial intelligence as a method for establishing a comprehensive framework for future translational development.