Probiotic Debaryomyces hansenii CBS 8339 yeast enhanced immune responses in mice

Miriam Angulo1, Abel Ramos1, Martha Reyes-Becerril1

  • 1Immunology and Vaccinology Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C., Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, C.P. 23096 La Paz, BCS Mexico.

3 Biotech
|January 2, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Oral administration of Debalomyces hansenii CBS 8339 at a high dose (10^8 CFU) for 7 days significantly enhanced innate immune responses in mice. This yeast improved phagocytosis, cytokine production, and antibody titers, indicating a potential probiotic effect.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Probiotics

Background:

  • Innate immunity plays a crucial role in host defense against pathogens.
  • Probiotics, including certain yeasts like Debalomyces hansenii, are being investigated for their immunomodulatory effects.
  • Understanding the impact of specific yeast strains on immune responses is essential for developing novel health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of Debalomyces hansenii CBS 8339 on the innate immune system of BALB/c mice.
  • To determine the optimal dosage and duration of D. hansenii administration for immune enhancement.
  • To evaluate the survival and colonization of D. hansenii in the mouse gastrointestinal tract.

Main Methods:

  • BALB/c mice were orally administered with two doses of D. hansenii (10^6 and 10^8 CFU) or PBS (control) daily for 15 days.
  • Immune responses were assessed on days 7 and 15, including splenocyte analysis, cytokine gene expression, and serum antibody titers (IgA, IgG).
  • Phagocytosis, respiratory burst activity, and nitric oxide production were measured, along with yeast colonization in gut samples.

Main Results:

  • A 7-day administration of D. hansenii at 10^8 CFU significantly enhanced phagocytosis, respiratory burst activity, and nitric oxide production.
  • Gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (INF-γ, IL-6, IL-1β) was upregulated on day 7 but downregulated on day 15.
  • Higher serum IgG and IgA titers were observed in the 10^8 CFU group at days 7 and 15, and day 7, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • Short-term oral administration of Debalomyces hansenii CBS 8339 (7 days) effectively improved innate immune responses in mice.
  • The higher dose (10^8 CFU) demonstrated a more pronounced immunomodulatory effect, particularly in enhancing cellular and humoral immunity.
  • Debalomyces hansenii survived gastrointestinal transit, suggesting its potential as a probiotic agent for immune support.