The regulation of immune cells by Lactobacilli: a potential therapeutic target for anti-atherosclerosis therapy

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease regulated by several immune cells including lymphocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. Gut probiotic bacteria like Lactobacilli have been shown immunomodificatory effects in the progression of atherogenesis. Some Lactobacillus stains can upregulate the activity of regulatory T-lymphocytes, suppress T-lymphocyte helper (Th) cells Th1, Th17, alter the Th1/Th2 ratio, influence the subsets ratio of M1/M2 macrophages, inhibit foam cell formation by suppressing macrophage phagocytosis of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, block the activation of the immune system with dendritic cells, which are expected to suppress the atherosclerosis-related inflammation. However, various strains can have various effects on inflammation. Some other Lactobacillus strains were found have potential pro-atherogenic effect through promote Th1 cell activity, increase pro-inflammatory cytokines levels as well as decrease anti-inflammatory cytokines levels. Thus, identifying the appropriate strains is essential to the therapeutic potential of Lactobacilli as an anti-atherosclerotic therapy.

Vildagliptin‐induced ground‐glass nodules mimicking lung metastases in a cancer patient receiving Lactobacillus probiotic supplementation

“…DPP‐4 inhibitors have been reported to suppress the proliferation of CD4 + cells in vitro . In contrast, the probiotics of several Lactobacillus strains were shown to enhance the activity of CD4 + Th1 cells in the intestine . In the study by Morton et al .…”

Caloric restriction promotes rapid expansion and long-lasting increase of Lactobacillus in the rat fecal microbiota

“…observed in CR treated mice is of great interest, given the acknowledged role of this genus in promoting intestinal homeostasis by stimulating host signaling pathways and the immune system. 30 The anti-inflammatory effect of Lactobacillus has been attributed mostly to surface antigens with structural or enzymatic functions. Growing evidence also indicates that supplementation with probiotic Lactobacillus strains improves lipid metabolism.…”

Comparative Genomics of the Transport Proteins of Ten Lactobacillus Strains

“…Among these metabolites there are antimicrobial proteins called bacteriocins; these are small proteins or peptides that are ribosomally synthesized and are effective at killing pathogenic microbes [ 11 ]. Other beneficial effects of lactobacilli include regulation of the immune system, maintenance of normal intestinal homeostasis, improvement of gastrointestinal barrier function and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. For further insight about the potential beneficial roles of lactobacilli, see [ 12 ].…”