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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Lactobacillus mucosae exerted different antiviral effects on respiratory syncytial virus infection in mice
Qianwen Wang1,2, Zhifeng Fang1,2, Lingzhi Li1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a constant threat to the health of young children, and this is mainly attributed to the lack of effective prevention strategies. This study aimed to determine whether Lactobacillus (L.) mucosae, a potential probiotic, could protect against respiratory viral infection in a mouse model. Naive 3-4-week-old BALB/c mice were orally administered with three L. mucosae strains (2.5 × 108 CFU/mouse) 7 days before RSV infection (105 TCID50/mouse). Results showed that all three strains inhibited RSV replication and reduced the proportions of inflammatory cells, including granulocytes and monocytes in the blood. The L. mucosae M104R01L3 treatment maintained stable weight in mice and increased interferon (IFN)-β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels. The L. mucosae DCC1HL5 treatment increased interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 levels. Moreover, the M104R01L3 and DCC1HL5 strains increased the proportions of Akkermansia, Alistipes, and Anaeroplasma which contributed to the advantageous modulation of the gut microbiota. Besides, L. mucosae affected the gut levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are important for the antiviral response. L. mucosae 1,025 increased acetate, propionate, and butyrate levels, whereas L. mucosae M104R01L3 increased the level of acetate in the gut. L. mucosae M104R01L3 may protect against viral infection by upregulating the IFN-β levels in the lungs and its antiviral effect may be related to the increase of acetate levels in the gut. In conclusion, the three L. mucosae strains exerted antiviral effects against RSV infection by differentially regulating immune responses and intestinal micro-ecological balance. This study can provide a reference for studying the mechanisms underlying the antiviral effects of L. mucosae.
Insights
Lactobacillus mucosae strains show antiviral effects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in mice. These probiotics inhibit viral replication, modulate immune responses, and improve gut microbiota, offering a novel prevention strategy for young children.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a significant health risk to young children due to limited prevention strategies.
- Probiotics are being explored for their potential to modulate immune responses and combat viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Lactobacillus mucosae strains against RSV infection in a mouse model.
- To explore the mechanisms underlying the antiviral activity of L. mucosae, including immune modulation and gut microbiota changes.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of three L. mucosae strains to BALB/c mice prior to RSV challenge.
- Assessment of viral replication, inflammatory cell counts, cytokine levels (IFN-β, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10), body weight changes, gut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels.
Main Results:
- All tested L. mucosae strains inhibited RSV replication and reduced inflammatory cells in the blood.
- Specific strains modulated cytokine profiles (IFN-β, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10) and maintained stable body weight.
- L. mucosae treatments positively altered gut microbiota composition (Akkermansia, Alistipes, Anaeroplasma) and influenced SCFA levels (acetate, propionate, butyrate).
Conclusions:
- Three L. mucosae strains demonstrate significant antiviral effects against RSV infection in mice.
- The protective mechanisms involve differential regulation of immune responses and restoration of intestinal micro-ecological balance.
- L. mucosae M104R01L3 may exert its antiviral effect by upregulating lung IFN-β and increasing gut acetate levels, providing a basis for further research into probiotic-based RSV prevention.
