In the bustling world of probiotics, a recent study from the Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University has shed new light on the immunomodulatory effects of a specific strain of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. Led by Luyao Xiao, the research delves into the molecular mechanisms behind the biosynthesis of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and their impact on immune responses. The findings, published in Food Science and Human Wellness, could have significant implications for the development of next-generation probiotics and their applications in various industries, including the energy sector.
The study focuses on the EPS biosynthesis gene cluster of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei S-NB, a strain known for its probiotic properties. By constructing a deletion mutant, S-NBΔ7576, the researchers were able to pinpoint the roles of two key genes, wze and wzd, in the production and export of EPS. These genes are responsible for determining the chain length of EPS, a critical factor in its immunomodulatory activity. “The deletion of wze and wzd resulted in a 40.02% decrease in EPS production,” Xiao explains, highlighting the significance of these genes in the biosynthesis process.
The research reveals that the EPS fractions, BEPS1 and BEPS2, derived from L. paracasei S-NB, exhibit potent immunomodulatory effects. These fractions were found to inhibit the transcriptional levels of key inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in RAW 264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This inhibition is achieved through the suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, which are central to the immune response.
One of the most intriguing findings is the enhanced immunomodulatory effect observed when the S-NBΔ7576 mutant was supplemented with BEPS1 and BEPS2. This suggests that the EPS fractions play a crucial role in modulating the immune response, even in the absence of the wze and wzd genes. “The S-NBΔ7576 mutant supplied with the BEPS1/BEPS2 exhibited more significant inhibition of cytokines production and the phosphorylation of p65 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in LPS-stimulated cells compared with the S-NBΔ7576 mutant alone,” Xiao notes, underscoring the potential of EPS in enhancing immune tolerance.
The implications of this research extend beyond the probiotic industry. In the energy sector, the development of probiotics with enhanced immunomodulatory properties could lead to innovative solutions for maintaining the health and productivity of workers in challenging environments. For instance, probiotics could be integrated into dietary supplements or functional foods to support the immune systems of energy sector workers, reducing the risk of infections and improving overall health.
Moreover, the findings could pave the way for the development of targeted probiotic therapies for various immune-related disorders. By understanding the molecular mechanisms behind EPS biosynthesis and its immunomodulatory effects, researchers can design probiotics with tailored immune responses, opening up new avenues for personalized medicine.
As the field of probiotics continues to evolve, the insights gained from this study will undoubtedly shape future developments. The work of Xiao and his team at the Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, published in Food Science and Human Wellness, represents a significant step forward in our understanding of probiotic mechanisms and their potential applications.