Limosilactobacillus reuteri-Fusobacterium nucleatum Interactions Modulate Biofilm Composition and Immunogenicity

The interactions between Limosilactobacillus reuteri and oral bacteria are poorly understood. This study seeks to characterize how two strains of L. reuteri coaggregate with Fusobacterium nucleatum, determining the impact on the biofilm composition and immunogenicity.

A series of in vitro experiments was conducted using L. reuteri DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289, Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 25586, and Porphyromonas gingivalis W50. The coaggregation between individual strains of L. reuteri, F. nucleatum, and P. gingivalis was evaluated using the tube coaggregation assay and confocal microscopy. Biofilm compositions were determined by confocal microscopy and culture. The effect of coaggregation on the immunogenicity of L. reuteri-F. nucleatum aggregates were evaluated using periodontal ligament fibroblasts, oral epithelial cells, and monocytes.

Both L. reuteri DSM and PTA strains demonstrated coaggregation with F. nucleatum. This interaction reduced the amount of F. nucleatum in biofilm by 1000-fold. Additionally, the coaggregation between L. reuteri and F. nucleatum lowered its immunogenicity. Furthermore, the coaggregation of L. reuteri with F. nucleatum led to a 50% reduction in the amount of P. gingivalis present in the biofilm.

This study demonstrates novel mechanisms through which L. reuteri can exert its effects as a probiotic. The coaggregation with L. reuteri modulates the immunogenicity of F. nucleatum and impairs its ability to serve as the bridging species, altering the biofilm composition, thus limiting the extent of dysbiosis.