Induction of Lupus T Cell Subset by Probiotics-Matured Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease driven by immune dysregulation.
• Tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial for immune homeostasis; their dysfunction contributes to SLE.
• Investigating microbial interventions like probiotics offers a potential therapeutic avenue for SLE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii on DC function and T cell differentiation in SLE patients.
• To assess the potential of these probiotics as a complementary therapy for immune modulation in SLE.

Main Methods:

• Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE patients and healthy controls were used.
• Mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs) evaluated the impact of probiotic-treated DCs on T cell differentiation.
• Real-time PCR and flow cytometry quantified immune markers (e.g., FOXP3, TGF-β, IL-17, IFN-γ) and T cell subsets (Tregs, Th1, Th17).

Main Results:

• Probiotic-treated DCs significantly increased Treg populations and FOXP3/TGF-β expression in SLE patients.
• Combined probiotic treatment demonstrated the most significant Treg-inducing effect.
• Probiotics markedly reduced pro-inflammatory Th17 and Th1 cell populations and associated markers (ROR-γt, IFN-γ) in SLE patients.

Conclusions:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii promote tolerogenic DC function, enhancing Treg induction and suppressing Th17/Th1 responses in SLE.
• The synergistic effect of combined probiotics highlights their potential for immune modulation in autoimmune diseases.
• Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety of these probiotics in SLE management.