The clinical application of microbiome research is usually thought of as a relatively new field. However, faecal microbiota transplant, one notable example from this field, dates back to fourth-century China1. Since then, researchers have built on a growing body of research that continues to uncover mechanistic links between the microbiome and host health and disease. Preclinical studies have revealed that defined commensal consortia can not only displace a bacterial pathogen, but also treat non-communicable disease, for example, induce anti-cancer immunity2,3. Single gut microbiota members and their products have also been shown to ameliorate metabolic disease in animal models, among other examples4.

Using this fundamental knowledge, standardized encapsulated faecal microbiota products isolated from human faecal samples, or more recently, defined microbial consortia constructed from cultured representatives have been designed5. Compared with faecal microbiota transplants, this approach can bypass the inherent risks of human biological specimens, such as the transfer of multi-drug resistant bacteria6. This has resulted in several biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies developing their own consortia to treat a variety of diseases and conditions, with some reaching clinical trials. A recent Perspective7 and a Review Article8 provide a more detailed overview of microbiome-based therapeutic development and the associated challenges and opportunities.

To continue to highlight research in this interdisciplinary field, we have launched a cross-journal call for papers that focus on the translational and clinical aspects of the microbiome. Submissions are being considered on a rolling basis and published papers will be highlighted on 'The Clinical Microbiome' collection page.

We welcome submission of primary research articles across microbiome medicine. Topics of interest include, and are not limited to, the development and testing of microbiome-based therapeutics such as faecal microbiota transplants, microbial consortia, microbial products and probiotics; microbiome-targeting interventions such as diet; and microbiome-based diagnostics. Preclinical studies using animal models will be considered alongside observational and interventional clinical studies.

Submissions will be assessed according to the editorial criteria of each journal, and those selected for further consideration will be peer reviewed. Clinical research must adhere to our Nature Portfolio wide policy and required documentation should be provided at submission. We will also consider non-research content such as Review Articles, Perspectives and Comments that discuss important issues in the field.

This collection will highlight studies that advance the field of clinical microbiome research and ultimately strengthen and progress implementation in clinical practice.