Evaluation of probiotic properties and genome analysis of the new Pediococcus acidilactici strain 46A isolated from Chinese young adults: in vitro and in vivo studies

<i>Pediococcus acidilactici</i> 46A is a safe and functionally active probiotic candidate that attenuates intestinal inflammation and preserves mucosal integrity in a murine model of colitis, supporting its potential application in the prevention or adjunctive treatment of inflammatory gut disorders.