Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
Effect of lysed Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 (LFK) on allergen-induced peritoneal accumulation of eosinophils in mice
1Central Research Laboratories, Nichinichi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Mie, Japan. labo@nichinichi-phar.co.jp
Background:
The interest in anti-allergy immunoregulation by lactic acid bacteria has been growing for the last few decades. There is some evidence to suggest that lysed Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 (LFK) could relieve the clinical symptoms of pollinosis. However, the mechanism responsible for this phenomenon remains unknown.
Objective:
To identify the effect of LFK, a lysozyme treated and heat-killed preparation from the lactic acid bacteria Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 strain, on allergen-induced eosinophil accumulation.
Methods:
BALB/c mice were sensitized with ragweed pollen extract, and peritoneal accumulation of eosinophils was induced. A total of 60 mg (0.5 mL) LFK was orally administered to the experimental mouse every day during 21 days of the sensitization period. In addition, LFK 4 mg, 25 mg and 60 mg (each 0.5 mL) were also orally administered to a mouse of each group every day for 21 days. Saline was fed in a dose of 0.5 mL/mouse per day for the same duration as a control.
Results:
Compared with control mice, LFK-treated mice exhibited decreased ragweed pollen allergen-induced peritoneal accumulation of eosinophils (P = 0.013), which showed a tendency to be in a dose-dependent fashion (P = 0.14).
Conclusion:
The results provide laboratory evidence of the role for LFK, a lactic acid bacteria preparation, in combating eosinophil accumulation.

