Differential Effect of Lactobacillus johnsonii BFE 6128 on Expression of Genes Related to TLR Pathways and Innate Immunity in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Probiotics have been shown to enhance immune defenses, but their mechanisms of action are only partially understood. We investigated the modulation of signal pathways involved in innate immunity in enterocytes by Lactobacillus johnsonii BFE 6128 isolated from ‘Kule naoto’, a Maasai traditional fermented milk product. This lactobacillus sensitized HT29 intestinal epithelial cells toward recognition of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium by increasing the IL-8 levels released after challenge with this pathogen and by differentially modulating genes related to toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways and innate immunity. Thus, the modulation of pro-inflammatory mediators and TLR-pathway-related molecules may be an important mechanism contributing to the potential stimulation of innate immunity by lactobacilli at the intestinal epithelial level.