Viral infection continues to cause considerable incidence rates and mortality worldwide. Probiotics have been chosen as an alternative to natural immune enhancers, which, in addition to being beneficial bacteria, also possess antiviral activity. The use of probiotics in animal experiments has shown potential for clinical application, with various strains of the genus Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. shown to inhibit infectious symptoms of viral infections, including influenza, by oral or intranasal administration. Viral adhesion to mucosal surfaces is the first step in infection, and exopolysaccharide produced by lactic acid bacteria has been shown to effectively interfere with this step in adenoviruses. In addition, other metabolites and bacterial cell debris may interfere with virus binding, and Levilactobacillus brevis cell wall debris has been reported to inhibit herpes simplex virus replication.
Lacticaseibacillus casei and Bifidobacterium adolescentis have been found to indirectly maintain barrier permeability by producing metabolites associated with reduced expression of the rotavirus toxin NSP4. The antimicrobial activity of bacteriocins against bacterial pathogens is also well established, but some may also have antiviral properties. Some bacteriocins appear to show antiviral activity before the virus enters human cells. In this regard, duramycin, a class 1 bacteriocin produced by Streptomyces, has been found to block Zika virus entry by blocking its coreceptor TIM1. On the other hand, several bacteriocins reduced cytopathic effects and viral release by interfering with later steps of the viral cycle. In a cell culture model, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains may interfere with vesicular stomatitis virus attachment and entry into cells through steric hindrance. In addition, Lactobacillus expressing CD4 receptors on their cell walls may be able to bind to and capture HIV-1 pseudoviruses, thereby preventing CD4+ cell adhesion and reducing viral infection.
The antiviral mechanisms of probiotics include direct and indirect: 1) enhancing mucosal barrier function; 2) secreting antiviral and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and bacteriocins; 3) inhibiting virus adhesion to host cells; 4) regulating the innate and adaptive white blood cell functions of antiviral therapy.
Fig.1 Antiviral effects of probiotics.1
Probiotics | Mechanisms |
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Lactobacillus casei | Lactobacillus casei was introduced to inhibit natural killer (NK) cell activity, which is one of the major resistance mechanisms besides viral infection.2 |
Lactobacillus rhamnosus | Lactobacillus rhamnosus suppresses both innate and adaptive immune responses, especially against gastrointestinal pathogens, resulting in elevated serum IgG and secretory IgA levels against enteric pathogens such as rotavirus.2 |
Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus | Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. Bulgaricus or its derivatives help prevent respiratory infections caused by respiratory viruses or influenza viruses.2 |
Research Articles | Available Services |
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The potential role of probiotics in protection against influenza a virus infection in mice.2 |
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Prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infection with probiotic lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055.3 |
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References
For Research Use Only. Not intended for use in food manufacturing or medical procedures (diagnostics or therapeutics). Do Not Use in Humans.
For Research Use Only. Not intended for use in food manufacturing or medical procedures (diagnostics or therapeutics). Do Not Use in Humans.
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