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Enhancement of Microbiota in Healthy Macaques Results in Beneficial Modulation of Mucosal and Systemic Immune

Jennifer A Manuzak1, Tiffany Hensley-McBain1, Alexander S Zevin1

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98121; Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA 98121;

Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|January 31, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic VSL#3 enhances mucosal immunity by increasing IgA-producing B cells and T follicular helper cells in macaques. This probiotic therapy may improve vaccine efficacy and mucosal protection against infection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Mucosal surfaces are key sites for infection susceptibility.
  • Probiotics (PBio) modulate gut microbiota to improve health.
  • Understanding probiotic effects on mucosal immunity is crucial for vaccine development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the longitudinal impact of daily VSL#3 probiotic treatment on cellular and humoral immunity and inflammation in healthy macaques.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which probiotics enhance mucosal immune defenses.

Main Methods:

  • Daily VSL#3 probiotic administration to healthy macaques.
  • Analysis of immune cell populations (B cells, T follicular helper cells, APCs) in the colon and lymph nodes.
  • Measurement of IgA expression and inflammatory markers.
  • Assessment of HEK293 cell responses to Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists.

Main Results:

  • VSL#3 significantly increased IgA-expressing B cells in the colon and lymph nodes.
  • Elevated T follicular helper cell frequencies and lymph node follicles were observed.
  • Increased frequencies of IL-23(+) antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the colon correlated with T follicular helper cells.
  • VSL#3 downmodulated responses of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR9-expressing cells to specific stimuli.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotic VSL#3 enhances mucosal immune responses, including IgA production and T follicular helper cell activity.
  • These findings suggest a mechanism for probiotic benefits on mucosal health.
  • Probiotic therapy may be a valuable strategy to augment vaccine efficacy and enhance protection against mucosal infections.

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