Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
06:20
Detection of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia Coli Colonization in Murine Host by Non-invasive In Vivo Bioluminescence System
Published on: April 9, 2018
[Immunomodulator action of living, nonpathogenic Enterococcus faecalis bacteria from humans]
1INLUPA-Institut für Lebensmitteluntersuchungen, Umwelthygiene und Pharmakaanalytik GmbH, Mönchengladbach.
Arzneimittel-Forschung
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Living nonpathogenic Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) modulates immune responses by stimulating cytokine release, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These effects are dose-dependent and influenced by specific inhibitors, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Symbioflor 1 contains living nonpathogenic Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis).
- Cytokines play a crucial role in immune system regulation.
- Understanding microbial-host interactions is key to developing immunomodulatory therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of E. faecalis on human peripheral mononuclear blood cells.
- To determine the impact of E. faecalis on cytokine liberation in vitro.
- To explore the influence of dexamethasone and cyclosporin A on E. faecalis-induced cytokine production.
Main Methods:
- In vitro experiments using human peripheral mononuclear blood cells.
- Dose-dependent assessment of cytokine liberation (IL-1 beta, IL-6, IFN-gamma, IL-2).
- Evaluation of inhibitory effects of dexamethasone (Dm) and cyclosporin A (CsA) on cytokine production.
Main Results:
- E. faecalis stimulated dose-dependent liberation of IL-1 beta and IL-6, inhibited by Dm but not CsA.
- E. faecalis stimulated dose-dependent liberation of gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma), inhibited by both Dm and CsA.
- E. faecalis inhibited phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced IFN-gamma and IL-2 liberation in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusions:
- E. faecalis exhibits significant immunomodulatory activity by influencing cytokine profiles.
- The differential inhibition by Dm and CsA suggests distinct signaling pathways involved.
- In vitro findings provide a basis for further investigation in clinical trials for immunomodulatory applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
01:22Probiotics
Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
01:25Colonisation of Pathogens
Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...