Adhesion properties of Lactobacillus rhamnosus mucus-binding factor to mucin and extracellular matrix proteins

The Mucus-Binding Factor Mediates Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 Adhesion but Not Immunomodulation in the Respiratory Tract

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 possesses immunomodulatory activities in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts when administered orally. Its adhesion to the intestinal mucosa does not condition its beneficial effects. The intranasal administration of L. rhamnosus CRL1505 is more effective than the oral route at modulating immunity in the respiratory tract. Nonetheless, it has not yet been established whether the adherence of the CRL1505 strain to the respiratory mucosa is needed to provide the immune benefits to the host. In this study, we evaluated the role of adhesion to the respiratory mucosa of the mucus-binding factor (mbf) knock-out L. rhamnosus CRL1505 mutant (Δmbf CRL1505) in the context of a Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-triggered innate immunity response. In vitro adhesion studies in porcine bronchial epitheliocytes (PBE cells) indicated that L. rhamnosus Δmbf CRL1505 adhered weakly compared to the wild-type strain. However, in vivo studies in mice demonstrated that the Δmbf CRL1505 also reduced lung damage and modulated cytokine production in the respiratory tract after the activation of TLR3 to a similar extent as the wild-type strain. In addition, the mutant and the wild-type strains modulated the production of cytokines and antiviral factors by alveolar macrophages in the same way. These results suggest that the Mbf protein is partially involved in the ability of L. rhamnosus CRL1505 to adhere to the respiratory epithelium, but the protein is not necessary for the CRL1505 strain to exert its immunomodulatory beneficial effects. These findings are a step forward in the understanding of molecular interactions that mediate the beneficial effects of nasally administered probiotics.

Host-pathogen interaction: Enterobacter cloacae exerts different adhesion and invasion capacities against different host cell types

New antibiotics are urgently needed due to the huge increase of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The underexplored gram-negative bacterium Enterobacter cloacae is known to cause severe urinary tract and lung infections (UTIs). The pathogenicity of E. cloacae in UTI has only been studied at the bioinformatic level, but until now not within systematic in vitro investigations. The present study assesses different human cell lines for monitoring the early steps of host-pathogen interaction regarding bacterial adhesion to and invasion into different host cells by flow cytometric adhesion assay, classical cell counting assay, gentamicin invasion assay, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. To our knowledge, this is the first report in which E. cloacae has been investigated for its interaction with human bladder, kidney, skin, and lung cell lines under in vitro conditions. Data indicate that E. cloacae exerts strong adhesion to urinary tract (bladder and kidney) and lung cells, a finding which correlates with the clinical relevance of the bacterium for induction of urinary tract and lung infections. Furthermore, E. cloacae ATCC 13047 barely adheres to skin cells (A-431) and shows no relevant interaction with intestinal cells (Caco-2, HT-29), even in the presence of mucin (HT29 MTX). In contrast, invasion assays and confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrate that E. cloacae internalizes in all tested host cells, but to a different extent. Especially, bladder and kidney cells are being invaded to the highest extent. Defective mutants of fimH and fimA abolished the adhesion of E. cloacae to T24 cells, while csgA deletion had no influence on adhesion. These results indicate that E. cloacae has different pattern for adhesion and invasion depending on the target tissue, which again correlates with the clinical relevance of the pathogen. For detailed investigation of the early host-pathogen interaction T24 bladder cells comprise a suitable assay system for evaluation the bacterial adhesion and invasion.

Harnessing the probiotic properties and immunomodulatory effects of fermented food-derived Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains: implications for environmental enteropathy

Introduction

Environmental enteropathy (EE), a chronic small intestine disease characterized by gut inflammation, is widely prevalent in low-income countries and is hypothesized to be caused by continuous exposure to fecal contamination. Targeted nutritional interventions using potential probiotic strains from fermented foods can be an effective strategy to inhibit enteric pathogens and prevent chronic gut inflammation.

Methods

We isolated potential strains from fermented rice water and lemon pickle and investigated their cell surface properties, antagonistic properties, adhesion to HT-29 cells, and inhibition of pathogen adherence to HT-29 cells. Bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS) were purified, and in vivo, survival studies in Caenorhabditis elegans infected with Salmonella enterica MW116733 were performed. We further checked the expression pattern of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL8, and IL-10) in HT-29 cells supplemented with strains.

Results

The strains isolated from rice water (RS) and lemon pickle (T1) were identified as Limosilactobacillus fermentum MN410703 and MN410702, respectively. Strains showed probiotic properties like tolerance to low pH (pH 3.0), bile salts up to 0.5%, simulated gastric juice at low pH, and binding to extracellular matrix molecules. Auto-aggregation of T1 was in the range of 85% and significantly co-aggregated with Klebsiella pneumoniae, S. enterica, and Escherichia coli at 48, 79, and 65%, respectively. Both strains had a higher binding affinity to gelatin and heparin compared to Bacillus clausii. Susceptibility to most aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, and macrolide classes of antibiotics was also observed. RS showed BLIS activity against K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and S. enterica at 60, 48, and 30%, respectively, and the protective effects of BLIS from RS in the C. elegans infection model demonstrated a 70% survival rate of the worms infected with S. enterica. RS and T1 demonstrated binding efficiency to HT-29 cell lines in the 38-46% range, and both strains inhibited the adhesion of E. coli MDR and S. enterica. Upregulation of IL-6 and IL-10 and the downregulation of IL-8 were observed when HT-29 cells were treated with RS, indicating the immunomodulatory effects of the strain.

Discussion

The potential strains identified could effectively inhibit enteric pathogens and prevent environmental enteropathy.

Paraprobiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Protects Intestinal Damage in an Experimental Murine Model of Mucositis

Intestinal mucositis (IM) is a common side effect resulting from cancer treatment. However, the management so far has not been very effective. In the last years, the role of the gut microbiota in the development and severity of mucositis has been studied. Therefore, the use of probiotics and paraprobiotics could have a potential therapeutic effect on IM. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of the administration of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) CGMCC1.3724 and the paraprobiotic on IM in mice. For 13 days, male Balb/c mice were divided into six groups: control (CTL) and mucositis (MUC)/0.1 mL of saline; CTL LrV and MUC LrV/0.1 mL of 10⁸ CFU of viable Lr; CTL LrI and MUC LrI/0.1 mL of 10⁸ CFU of inactivated Lr. On the 10th day, mice from the MUC, MUC LrV, and MUC LrI groups received an intraperitoneal injection (300 mg/kg) of 5-fluorouracil to induce mucositis. The results showed that the administration of the chemotherapeutic agent increased the weight loss and intestinal permeability of the animals in the MUC and MUC LrV groups. However, administration of paraprobiotic reduced weight loss and maintained PI at physiological levels. The paraprobiotic also preserved the villi and intestinal crypts, reduced the inflammatory infiltrate, and increased the mucus secretion, Muc2 gene expression, and Treg cells frequency.

In vitro assessment of probiotic attributes for strains contained in commercial formulations

Although probiotics are often indiscriminately prescribed, they are not equal and their effects on the host may profoundly differ. In vitro determination of the attributes of probiotics should be a primary concern and be performed even before clinical studies are designed. In fact, knowledge on the biological properties a microbe possesses is crucial for selecting the most suitable bacteriotherapy for each individual. Herein, nine strains (Bacillus clausii NR, OC, SIN, T, Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050, Bifidobacterium breve DSM 16604, Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103, and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745) declared to be contained in six commercial formulations were tested for their ability to tolerate simulated intestinal conditions, adhere to mucins, and produce β-galactosidase, antioxidant enzymes, riboflavin, and D-lactate. With the exception of B. breve, all microbes survived in simulated intestinal fluid. L. rhamnosus was unable to adhere to mucins and differences in mucin adhesion were evidenced for L. reuteri and S. boulardii depending on oxygen levels. All microorganisms produced antioxidant enzymes, but only B. clausii, B. coagulans, B. breve, and L. reuteri synthesize β-galactosidase. Riboflavin secretion was observed for Bacillus species and L. rhamnosus, while D-lactate production was restricted to L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus. Our findings indicate that the analyzed strains possess different in vitro biological properties, thus highlighting the usefulness of in vitro tests as prelude for clinical research.

The Mucus Binding Factor Is Not Necessary for Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 to Exert Its Immunomodulatory Activities in Local and Distal Mucosal Sites

Both viable and non-viable orally administered Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 modulate immunity in local (intestine) and distal (respiratory) mucosal sites. So, intestinal adhesion and colonization are not necessary for this probiotic strain to exert its immunomodulatory effects. In this work, a mucus-binding factor knockout CRL1505 strain (ΔmbfCRL1505) was obtained and the lack of binding ability to both intestinal epithelial cells and mucin was demonstrated in vitro. In addition, two sets of in vivo experiments in 6-week-old Balb/c mice were performed to evaluate ΔmbfCRL1505 immunomodulatory activities. (A) Orally administered ΔmbfCRL1505 prior to intraperitoneal injection of the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist poly(I:C) significantly reduced intraepithelial lymphocytes (CD3⁺NK1.1⁺CD8αα⁺) and pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-15) in the intestinal mucosa. (B) Orally administered ΔmbfCRL1505 prior to nasal stimulation with poly(I:C) significantly decreased the levels of the biochemical markers of lung tissue damage. In addition, reduced recruitment of neutrophils and levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8) as well as increased IFN-β and IFN-γ in the respiratory mucosa were observed in ΔmbfCRL1505-treated mice when compared to untreated control mice. The immunological changes induced by the ΔmbfCRL1505 strain were not different from those observed for the wild-type CRL1505 strain. Although it is generally accepted that the expression of adhesion factors is necessary for immunobiotics to induce their beneficial effects, it was demonstrated here that the mbf protein is not required for L. rhamnosus CRL1505 to exert its immunomodulatory activities in local and distal mucosal sites. These results are a step forward towards understanding the mechanisms involved in the immunomodulatory capabilities of L. rhamnosus CRL1505.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC 6475 metabolites upregulate the serotonin transporter in the intestinal epithelium

The serotonin transporter (SERT) readily takes up serotonin (5-HT), thereby regulating the availability of 5-HT within the intestine. In the absence of SERT, 5-HT remains in the interstitial space and has the potential to aberrantly activate the many 5-HT receptors distributed on the epithelium, immune cells and enteric neurons. Perturbation of SERT is common in many gastrointestinal disorders as well as mouse models of colitis. Select commensal microbes regulate intestinal SERT levels, but the mechanism of this regulation is poorly understood. Additionally, ethanol upregulates SERT in the brain and dendritic cells, but its effects in the intestine have never been examined. We report that the intestinal commensal microbe Limosilactobacillus (previously classified as Lactobacillus) reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 secretes 83.4 mM ethanol. Consistent with the activity of L. reuteri alcohol dehydrogenases, we found that L. reuteri tolerated various levels of ethanol. Application of L. reuteri conditioned media or exogenous ethanol to human colonic T84 cells was found to upregulate SERT at the level of mRNA. A 4-(4-(dimethylamino) phenyl)-1-methylpyridinium (APP+) uptake assay confirmed the functional activity of SERT. These findings were mirrored in mouse colonic organoids, where L. reuteri metabolites and ethanol were found to upregulate SERT at the apical membrane. Finally, in a trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid model of acute colitis, we observed that mice treated with L. reuteri maintained SERT at the colon membrane compared with mice receiving phosphate buffered saline vehicle control. These data suggest that L. reuteri metabolites, including ethanol, can upregulate SERT and may be beneficial for maintaining intestinal homeostasis with respect to serotonin signalling.

Clostridium butyricum Induces the Production and Glycosylation of Mucins in HT-29 Cells

C. butyricum is a common gut commensal bacterium, which has many positive functions in human intestine. In this study, we investigated the effects of monosaccharide and its derivatives on the adhesion of C. butyricum to the mucus of HT-29 cells. RNA interference was performed to assess the roles of MUC2 and glycan in the adhesion of C. butyricum to HT-29 cells. The effects of C. butyricum on the glycosylation of mucins were assayed with fluorescence microscope. The expression levels of mucins and glycotransferases were also determined. The results showed that C. butyricum could adhere to the mucins secreted by HT-29 cells. Several kinds of monosaccharides inhibited the adhesion of C. butyricum to HT-29 cells, which suggested that the mucus glycan was the attaching sites of this bacterium. Knockdown of MUC2, FUT2 or GALNT7 significantly decreased the numbers of the bacteria adhering to HT-29 cells. When colonizing on the surface of HT-29 cells, C. butyricum could increase the production of mucins, promote the expression of glycotransferase, and induce the glycosylation of mucins. These results demonstrated that the glycan of mucus played important roles in the adhesion of C. butyricum to HT-29 cells. This study indicates for the first time that C. butyricum possesses the ability to modulate the glycosylation profile of mucus secreted by HT-29 cells. These findings contribute to understanding the mechanism of interaction between colonic epithelial cells and commensal bacteria.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Lactobacillus reuteri LM1071 via MAP kinase pathway in IL-1β-induced HT-29 cells

Lactic acid bacteria are well-known probiotics, conferring several health benefits. In this study, we isolated lactobacilli from human breast milk and identified Lactobacillus reuteri LM1071 (RR-LM1071) using 16S rDNA sequencing. We tested the hemolytic activity, biogenic amine production, and antibiotic susceptibility of this strain to assess its safety. RR-LM1071 was found to be negative for hemolytic activity and biogenic amine production, as well as was measured in susceptible level for antibiotics in the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. The adhesive properties of RR-LM1071 were higher than those of LGG in HT-29 cells, and showed a greater hydrophobicity than LGG in hexadecane solvent. Under inflammatory conditions, RR-LM1071 suppressed the mRNA expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-4 produced in IL-1β-induced HT-29 cells. Our results suggest that RR-LM1071 is a safe and valuable probiotic that can be used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

An in vitro intestinal platform with a self-sustaining oxygen gradient to study the human gut/microbiome interface

An oxygen gradient formed along the length of colonic crypts supports stem-cell proliferation at the normoxic crypt base while supporting obligate anaerobe growth in the anoxic colonic lumen. Primary human colonic epithelial cells derived from human gastrointestinal stem cells were cultured within a device possessing materials of tailored oxygen permeability to produce an oxygen-depleted luminal (0.8% ± 0.1% O₂) and oxygen-rich basal (11.1% ± 0.5% O₂) compartment. This oxygen difference created a stable oxygen gradient across the colonic epithelial cells which remained viable and properly polarized. Facultative and obligate anaerobes Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, and Clostridium difficile grew readily within the luminal compartment. When formed along the length of an in vitro crypt, the oxygen gradient facilitated cell compartmentalization within the crypt by enhancing confinement of the proliferative cells to the crypt base. This platform provides a simple system to create a physiological oxygen gradient across an intestinal mimic while simultaneously supporting anaerobe co-culture.

Growth Mode and Carbon Source Impact the Surfaceome Dynamics of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Bacterial biofilms have clear implications in disease and in food applications involving probiotics. Here, we show that switching the carbohydrate source from glucose to fructose increased the biofilm formation and the total surface-antigenicity of a well-known probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Surfaceomes (all cell surface-associated proteins) of GG cells grown with glucose and fructose in planktonic and biofilm cultures were identified and compared, which indicated carbohydrate source-dependent variations, especially during biofilm growth. The most distinctive differences under these conditions were detected with several surface adhesins (e.g., MBF, SpaC pilus protein and penicillin-binding proteins), enzymes (glycoside hydrolases, PrsA, PrtP, PrtR, and HtrA) and moonlighting proteins (glycolytic, transcription/translation and stress-associated proteins, r-proteins, tRNA synthetases, Clp family proteins, PepC, PepN, and PepA). The abundance of several known adhesins and candidate moonlighters, including enzymes acting on casein-derived peptides (ClpP, PepC, and PepN), increased in the biofilm cells grown on fructose, from which the surface-associated aminopeptidase activity mediated by PepC and PepN was further confirmed by an enzymatic assay. The mucus binding factor (MBF) was found most abundant in fructose grown biofilm cells whereas SpaC adhesin was identified specifically from planktonic cells growing on fructose. An additional indirect ELISA indicated both growth mode- and carbohydrate-dependent differences in abundance of SpaC, whereas the overall adherence of GG assessed with porcine mucus indicated that the carbon source and the growth mode affected mucus adhesion. The adherence of GG cells to mucus was almost completely inhibited by anti-SpaC antibodies regardless of growth mode and/or carbohydrate source, indicating the key role of the SpaCBA pilus in adherence under the tested conditions. Altogether, our results suggest that carbon source and growth mode coordinate mechanisms shaping the proteinaceous composition of GG cell surface, which potentially contributes to resistance, nutrient acquisition and cell-cell interactions under different conditions. In conclusion, the present study shows that different growth regimes and conditions can have a profound impact on the adherent and antigenic features of GG, thereby providing new information on how to gain additional benefits from this probiotic.

Experimental models to study intestinal microbes–mucus interactions in health and disease

A close symbiotic relationship exists between the intestinal microbiota and its host. A critical component of gut homeostasis is the presence of a mucus layer covering the gastrointestinal tract. Mucus is a viscoelastic gel at the interface between the luminal content and the host tissue that provides a habitat to the gut microbiota and protects the intestinal epithelium. The review starts by setting up the biological context underpinning the need for experimental models to study gut bacteria-mucus interactions in the digestive environment. We provide an overview of the structure and function of intestinal mucus and mucins, their interactions with intestinal bacteria (including commensal, probiotics and pathogenic microorganisms) and their role in modulating health and disease states. We then describe the characteristics and potentials of experimental models currently available to study the mechanisms underpinning the interaction of mucus with gut microbes, including in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models. We then discuss the limitations and challenges facing this field of research.

Structure and immunomodulatory activity of a recombinant mucus-binding protein of Lactobacillus acidophilus

AIM

The role of mucus-binding protein (MUB) on the adhesion activity and immunomodulatory effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus.

MATERIALS & METHODS

The current research mainly focuses on the adhesion and immune function of MUB from L. acidophilus. The structural characteristics and adhesion properties of MUB were analyzed in the intestinal cell models.

RESULTS

MUB can promote the aggregation and formation of a membrane-like morphology in L. acidophilus, which could increase the survival rate of L. acidophilus in gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Furthermore, MUB could trigger immune regulation and intestinal protection through the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway and inhibit the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

MUB of L. acidophilus is an important component involved in bacterial-mucus interactions and immunomodulatory effect in gastrointestinal tract.

Adhesion of Lactobacillus to Intestinal Mucin

Adhesion to intestinal mucin is one of the main in vitro tests for the study of probiotic strains. Mucins immobilized on microtiter plates and glass slides are easy and excellent methods used for the quantitative analysis of Lactobacillus adhesion. However, to maintain the performance of the quantitative analysis, these methods must be chosen appropriately according to the nature and characteristics of the strain, such as tolerance to surfactant and the ability to self-aggregate. Here we describe two methodologies used to evaluate adhesion of Lactobacillus to mucin, in addition to the isolation and purification of mucins from porcine colonic tissues.

Anchorless cell surface proteins function as laminin-binding adhesins in Lactobacillus rhamnosus FSMM22

Anchorless cell surface proteins (CSPs) were extracted with 1 M lithium chloride solution from Lactobacillus rhamnosus FSMM22. Loss of the anchorless CSPs resulted in a 2-fold decrease in FSMM22 cells bound to a constitutive extracellular matrix glycoprotein, laminin, in vitro. DNA-binding protein HU, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and 30S ribosomal protein S19 (RpsS) were identified by mass spectrometry in the extract as laminin-binding adhesins. Among the four proteins, RpsS was immunohistochemically confirmed to exist on the cell surface. Our findings strongly suggest that anchorless CSPs can enhance bacterial adhesion to the host.

Use of Atomic Force Microscopy to Study the Multi-Modular Interaction of Bacterial Adhesins to Mucins

The mucus layer covering the gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium is critical in selecting and maintaining homeostatic interactions with our gut bacteria. However, the molecular details of these interactions are not well understood. Here, we provide mechanistic insights into the adhesion properties of the canonical mucus-binding protein (MUB), a large multi-repeat cell–surface adhesin found in Lactobacillus inhabiting the GI tract. We used atomic force microscopy to unravel the mechanism driving MUB-mediated adhesion to mucins. Using single-molecule force spectroscopy we showed that MUB displayed remarkable adhesive properties favouring a nanospring-like adhesion model between MUB and mucin mediated by unfolding of the multiple repeats constituting the adhesin. We obtained direct evidence for MUB self-interaction; MUB–MUB followed a similar binding pattern, confirming that MUB modular structure mediated such mechanism. This was in marked contrast with the mucin adhesion behaviour presented by Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a mammalian lectin characterised by a single carbohydrate binding domain (CRD). The binding mechanisms reported here perfectly match the particular structural organization of MUB, which maximizes interactions with the mucin glycan receptors through its long and linear multi-repeat structure, potentiating the retention of bacteria within the outer mucus layer.

Adhesion Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Intestinal Mucin

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are Gram-positive bacteria that are natural inhabitants of the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of mammals, including humans. Since Mechnikov first proposed that yogurt could prevent intestinal putrefaction and aging, the beneficial effects of LAB have been widely demonstrated. The region between the duodenum and the terminal of the ileum is the primary region colonized by LAB, particularly the Lactobacillus species, and this region is covered by a mucus layer composed mainly of mucin-type glycoproteins. The mucus layer plays a role in protecting the intestinal epithelial cells against damage, but is also considered to be critical for the adhesion of Lactobacillus in the GI tract. Consequently, the adhesion exhibited by lactobacilli on mucin has attracted attention as one of the critical factors contributing to the persistent beneficial effects of Lactobacillus in a constantly changing intestinal environment. Thus, understanding the interactions between Lactobacillus and mucin is crucial for elucidating the survival strategies of LAB in the GI tract. This review highlights the properties of the interactions between Lactobacillus and mucin, while concomitantly considering the structure of the GI tract from a histochemical perspective.

Potential role of probiotics in the management of gastric ulcer

Gastric ulcer is one of the most common chronic gastrointestinal diseases characterized by a significant defect in the mucosal barrier. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the frequent long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are major factors involved in gastric ulcer development. Acid inhibitors and antibiotics are commonly used to treat gastric ulcer. However, in the last few decades, the accumulating evidence for resistance to antibiotics and the side effects of antibiotics and acid inhibitors have drawn attention to the possible use of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcer. Probiotics are live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer health benefits on the host. Currently, the available experimental and clinical studies indicate that probiotics are promising for future applications in the management of gastric ulcers. This review aims to provide an overview of the general health benefits of probiotics on various systemic and gastrointestinal disorders with a special focus on gastric ulcer and the involved cellular and molecular mechanisms: i) Protection of gastric mucosal barrier; ii) upregulation of prostaglandins, mucus, growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines; iii) increased cell proliferation to apoptosis ratio; and iv) induction of angiogenesis. Finally, some of the available data on the possible use of probiotics in H. pylori eradication are discussed.

In vitro investigation of molecules involved in Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 adhesion to host intestinal tract components

AIMS

The adhesion ability of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 was investigated in vitro by searching for its adhesion molecules.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 showed adherence to host components, including two commercially available mucins, Caco-2 epithelial-like cells and the extracellular matrix molecule fibronectin (Fn). Its adhesion rates to host components were generally higher than those of other Lactobacillus strains. We examined sortase-dependent proteins (SDPs) anchored by a sortase enzyme encoded by srtA1. The adhesion rates of an srtA1 disruptant were lower than those of Lact. gasseri SBT2055, and the relative adherences were as follows: two mucins, 43 and 40%; Caco-2, 66% and Fn, 28%. Seven additional gene disruptants were generated to determine the precise SDPs that contribute to adhesion to each component.

CONCLUSIONS

The adhesion ability of Lact. gasseri SBT2055 was superior to those of other Lactobacillus strains. Additionally, four adhesion molecules were newly identified from candidate SDPs.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Although the contribution of SDPs to adhesion has been reported using sortase gene disruptants, this is the first report to identify the precise SDPs that act as adhesion molecules. Our results will contribute to achieving better understanding of probiotic bacterial adherence.

The expression of heterologous MAM-7 in Lactobacillus rhamnosus reduces its intrinsic capacity to inhibit colonization of pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus in vitro

BACKGROUND

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is a Gram-negative, halophilic bacterium recognized as one of the most important foodborne pathogen. When ingested, V. parahaemolyticus causes a self-limiting illness (Vibriosis), characterized mainly by watery diarrhoea. Treatment is usually oral rehydration and/or antibiotics in complicated cases. Since 1996, the pathogenic and pandemic V. parahaemolyticus O3:K6 serotype has spread worldwide, increasing the reported number of vibriosis cases. Thus, the design of new strategies for pathogen control and illness prevention is necessary. Lactobacillus sp. grouped Gram positive innocuous bacteria, part of normal intestinal microbiota and usually used as oral vaccines for several diarrheic diseases. Recombinants strains of Lactobacillus (RL) expressing pathogen antigens can be used as part of an anti-adhesion strategy where RL block the pathogen union sites in host cells. Thus, we aimed to express MAM-7 V. parahaemolyticus adhesion protein in Lactobacillus sp. to generate an RL that prevents pathogen colonization.

RESULTS

We cloned the MAM-7 gene from V. parahaemolyticus RIMD 2210633 in Lactobacillus expression vectors. Recombinant strains (Lactobacillus rhamnosus pSEC-MAM7 and L. rhamnosus pCWA-MAM7) adhered to CaCo-2 cells and competed with the pathogen. However, the L. rhamnosus wild type strain showed the best capacity to inhibit pathogen colonization in vitro. In addition, LDH-assay showed that recombinant strains were cytotoxic compared with the wild type isogenic strain.

CONCLUSIONS

MAM-7 expression in lactobacilli reduces the intrinsic inhibitory capacity of L. rhamnosus against V. parahaemolyticus.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG SpaC pilin subunit binds to the carbohydrate moieties of intestinal glycoconjugates

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is a well-established probiotic strain. The beneficial properties of this strain are partially dependent on its prolonged residence in the gastrointestinal tract, and are likely influenced by its adhesion to the intestinal mucosa. The pilin SpaC subunit, located within the Spa pili structure, is the most well studied LGG adhesion factor. However, the binding epitopes of SpaC remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the binding properties of SpaC to the carbohydrate moieties of intestinal glycoconjugates using a recombinant SpaC protein. In a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, SpaC binding was markedly reduced by addition of purified mucin and the mucin oligosaccharide fraction. Histochemical staining revealed that the binding of SpaC was drastically reduced by periodic acid treatment. Moreover, in the surface plasmon resonance-based Biacore assay, SpaC bound strongly to the carbohydrate moieties containing β-galactoside at the non-reducing terminus of glycolipids. We here provide the first demonstration that SpaC binds to the oligosaccharide chains of mucins, and that the carbohydrate moieties containing β-galactoside at the non-reducing termini of glycoconjugates play a crucial role in this binding. Our results demonstrate the importance of carbohydrates of SpaC for mucus interactions.

Adhesion properties of a putative polymorphic fimbrial subunit protein from Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum

In our previous study, we found that the open reading frame bl0675 in the genome of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum isolated from human feces encoded a novel putative fimbrial protein, was highly polymorphic, and had five variants (A, B, C, D, and E types). The aim of this study was to evaluate the affinity of these variants to porcine colonic mucins (PCMs). Protein-binding properties were examined using the recombinant BL0675 protein containing a C-terminal 6 × His tag (His-BL0675). Surface plasmon resonance analysis demonstrated that the His-BL0675 A type had strong affinity to PCMs (K_D = 9.82 × 10⁻⁸ M), whereas the B, C, D, and E types exhibited little or no binding. In a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, His-BL0675 A type binding was reduced by addition of mucin oligosaccharides, suggesting that the binding occurs via carbohydrate chains of PCMs. The localization of BL0675 to the B. longum subsp. longum cell surface was confirmed by western blot analysis using A type polyclonal antibodies. Bacterial adhesion of B. longum subsp. longum to PCMs was also blocked by A type-specific antibodies; however, its adhesion properties were strain specific. Our results suggest that the BL0675 variants significantly contribute to the adhesion of B. longum subsp. longum strains. The expression and the adhesive properties of this protein are affected by genetic polymorphisms and are specific for B. longum subsp. longum strains. However, further studies are required on the properties of binding of these putative fimbrial proteins to the human gastrointestinal tract.