Non-Viable Lactobacillus Casei Beneficially Modulates Poly I:C Immune Response in Co-Cultures of Human Cells

Elisa Vintiñi1, Marcela Medina

  • 1LARIVENOA, Faculty of Agronomy and Zootechnics, National University of Tucumán, Florentino Ameghino S/N, Tucumán, Argentina.

Abstract

Insights

Non-viable Lactobacillus casei CRL431 (LcM) modulates the immune response to Poly I:C, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. This suggests LcM

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly-IC) serves as a viral stimulus in research.
  • Understanding immune responses to viral stimuli is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if non-viable Lactobacillus casei CRL431 (LcM) can modulate Poly I:C-induced immune responses.
  • To assess these modulatory effects in co-culture models using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and A549 cells.

Main Methods:

  • Co-culture systems (PBMC-A549 and PBMC//A549) were stimulated with LPS, LcM, Poly I:C, or combinations.
  • T and NK cell activation was measured by flow cytometry.
  • Cytokine levels (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-29, IL-17) were quantified using ELISA.

Main Results:

  • Poly I:C and LcM pre-treatment significantly increased CD8+ expression in direct co-cultures.
  • All stimuli activated T cells (CD4+, CD8+), with higher activation in direct co-cultures.
  • Poly I:C induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-29) with lower IL-10, while LcM showed a regulatory cytokine pattern.

Conclusions:

  • The in vitro model demonstrated LcM's potential to modulate anti-viral immune responses.
  • LcM may be beneficial in formulations targeting RNA respiratory viruses.

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