Bacillus cereus var. toyoi enhanced systemic immune response in piglets

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Immunology
• Microbiology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Probiotic bacteria are recognized for their potential to modulate host immune responses.
• Bacillus cereus var. toyoi is a specific probiotic strain with potential immunomodulatory applications.
• Understanding the impact of probiotics on young animals is crucial for animal health and productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of Bacillus cereus var. toyoi on the systemic immunity of piglets.
• To assess the impact of this probiotic on peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) subsets, their functional responses, and vaccination efficacy.
• To determine if Bacillus cereus var. toyoi influences key immune parameters in a porcine model.

Main Methods:

• Seventy piglets were allocated to either a probiotic (Bacillus cereus var. toyoi) or a control group.
• Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) subsets were analyzed for changes in T cell populations (CD4+, CD8+).
• PBMC proliferative responses, cytokine production (IL-4, IFN-gamma), and antibody titers following vaccination were measured.

Main Results:

• Probiotic-treated piglets exhibited altered T cell ratios, specifically a lower frequency of CD8+ T cells and a higher CD4+/CD8+ ratio.
• Polyclonal stimulation of PBMCs showed increased production of IL-4 and IFN-gamma in the probiotic group.
• Specific immune responses to Influenza vaccination antigens were enhanced, with higher proliferative responses and antibody titers against H3N2 Influenza and Mycoplasma antigens.

Conclusions:

• Bacillus cereus var. toyoi significantly alters the immune status of piglets.
• The probiotic influences both the composition of systemic immune cell populations and their functional capabilities.
• These findings support the use of Bacillus cereus var. toyoi as an agent to enhance porcine immunity and vaccination responses.