Potential Adjuvant Therapeutic Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum Probio-88 Postbiotics against SARS-COV-2

Abstract

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the global effort to develop high efficacy countermeasures to control the infection are being conducted at full swing. While the efficacy of vaccines and coronavirus drugs are being tested, the microbiome approach represents an alternative pathophysiology-based approach to prevent the severity of the infection. In the current study, we evaluated the action of a novel probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Probio-88 against SARS-COV-2 replication and immune regulation using an in vitro and in silico study. The results showed that extract from this strain (P88-CFS) significantly inhibited the replication of SARS-COV-2 and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Furthermore, compared with infected cells, P88-CFS treated cells showed a significant reduction in inflammatory markers such as IFN-α, IFN-β, and IL-6. Using an in silico molecular docking approach, it was postulated that the antiviral activity of L. plantarum Probio-88 was derived from plantaricin E (PlnE) and F (PlnF). The high binding affinity and formation of hydrogen bonding indicated that the association of PlnE and PlnF on SARS-COV-2 helicase might serve as a blocker by preventing the binding of ss-RNA during the replication of the virus. In conclusion, our study substantiated that P88-CFS could be used as an integrative therapeutic approach along with vaccine to contain the spread of the highly infectious pathogen and possibly its variants.

Potential Antiviral Activity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KAU007 against Influenza Virus H1N1

“…Similar results were also reported by Rather et al [ 16 ], where they observed that L. plantarum isolated from Kimchi also has the antiviral activity. One of our previous studies recently showed that L. plantarum inhibits SARS-CoV [ 31 ].…”

“…Therefore, probiotics are live microorganisms that benefit the host, similar to the gut microflora [ 4 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ], and are known to survive in gastric and bile acid in the gastrointestinal tract [ 23 , 24 ]. Various probiotic LAB strains have been reported in fermented foods and dairy products [ 1 , 2 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. However, LABs from camel milk are less explored for their health benefits.…”

From Pre- and Probiotics to Post-Biotics: A Narrative Review

“…Thus, these postbiotics can act as a “blocker” of viral ss-RNA during its replication. This strain and/or its postbiotic substances can be used as an integrative approach, along with a vaccine, to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and, most importantly, its variants [ 106 ].…”

“…GM modulation can change humans’ metabolism and the availability of energy sources for a better sport performance [ 7 ]. For example, an increased abundance of Veillonella in our gut, able to metabolize lactic acid to propionate, significantly increases animals’ physical performance [ 106 ]. Similarly, enteral administration of propionic acid leads to similar results [ 106 ].…”

“…For example, an increased abundance of Veillonella in our gut, able to metabolize lactic acid to propionate, significantly increases animals’ physical performance [ 106 ]. Similarly, enteral administration of propionic acid leads to similar results [ 106 ]. Another issue is represented by the recognition of this form of doping, which is emerging as an efficient road to skipping health controls for athletes.…”