Elucidating the Immune-Related Mechanisms by Which Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus casei BL23 Displays Anti-tumoral Properties

We have recently described antitumor properties of Lactobacillus casei BL23 strain in both a mouse allograft model of human papilloma virus (HPV)-induced cancer and dimethylhydrazine-associated colorectal cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects are still unknown. Interestingly, in vitro cellular models show that this bacterium is able to stimulate the production of high levels of IL-2. Because this cytokine has well-known antitumor properties, we decided to explore its role in the anti-cancer effects of BL23 using the HPV-induced cancer model. We found a negative correlation between IL-2 and tumor size confirming the necessity of IL-2 to protect from tumor development. Then, we blocked IL-2 synthesis using neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in mice that were challenged with lethal levels of tumor cells; this led to a significant reduction in the protective abilities of BL23. Next, we used a genetically modified strain of Lactococcus lactis to deliver exogenous IL-2 to the system, and in doing so, we were able to partially mimic the antitumor properties of BL23. Additionally, we showed the systemic role of T-cells in tumor protection through a negative correlation between tumor size and T-cells subpopulations and an increasement of BL23-specific local Foxp3 levels in tumor-bearing mice. Finally, we observed a negative correlation between tumor size and NK+ cells, but local recruitment of NK cells and cytotoxic activity appeared specific to BL23 treatment. Taken together, our data suggest that IL-2 signaling pathway plays an important role in the anti-tumoral effects of probiotic strain L. casei BL23. These results encourage further investigation in the use of probiotic strains for potential therapeutic applications to clinical practice, in particular for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, our approach could be extended and applied to other potential beneficial microorganisms, such as gut microbiota, in order to better understand the crosstalk between microbes and the host

Lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria modulation of metabolic pathways in human intestinal epithelial cells : Assessment of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCMI-4317 physiological effects in axenic mice model

Au cours des dix dernières années, il a été observé une augmentation des maladies métaboliques (obésité, diabète de type 2…) avec des conséquences dramatiques en santé humaine. Un intérêt scientifique a émergé pour mieux comprendre comment les bactéries lactiques (BLs) régulent la l’équilibre énergétique de leur hôte. PPAR- (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor ), un récepteur nucléaire, et FIAF (fasting – induced adipose factor) une adipokine apparaissent comme deux régulateurs centraux dans l’homéostasie énergétique. Dans cette étude, nous avons examiné les mécanismes de régulation de Fiaf par les BLs. Nous avons identifié une souche L.rhamnosus CNCMI–4317 induisant l’expression de Fiaf dans la cellule épithéliale intestinale. Nous avons déterminé que cet effet était probablement du à une protéine de surface agissant de façon indépendante de PPAR-. Nous avons confirmé cet effet dans un model in vivo. De plus, nous avons réalisé une transcription du génome complet des cellules HT-29 en contact avec la bactérie confirmant une régulation de Fiaf et suggérant une régulation supplémentaire dans le métabolisme des lipides.Nous avons caractérisé un model HT-29 PPAR- rapporteur à la luciférase. Nous avons appliqué une approche de métagénomique fonctionnelle développée au sein de l’équipe pour cribler des banques génomiques de bactéries lactiques (BLs). Nous n’avons pas réussi à identifier des clones d’intérêt parmi les banques testées. Nous avons également développé une méthode de criblage des BLs sur le modèle HT-29 PPAR-mais après avoir caractériser l'effet bactérien, nous n’avons pas pu confirmer celui-ci par une approche classique de RT-qPCR. Nous avons donc émis l’hypothèse que l’effet observé était un effet direct sur le signal luciférase.Ce travail contribue à une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes de régulation du métabolisme de l’hôte par les bactéries.Over the last decades, an increase of metabolic diseases (obesity, type-2 diabetes…) has been observed with dramatic consequences on human health. Scientific interest has extended for a better understanding of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) regulation of host energy balance. PPAR- (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor ), a nuclear receptor, and FIAF (fasting – induced adipose factor), a secreted adipokine, appear as two major regulators of energy homeostasis.In this study we examined the mechanisms of Fiaf regulation by LAB. We identified a lactobacillus rhamnosus (L.rhamnosus) CNCMI-4317 strain up-regulating Fiaf expression in intestinal epithelial cells (HT-29). We determined that the effect was probably due to a surface exposed protein acting in a PPAR- independent manner. We confirmed this regulation in an in vivo model. Furthermore, we performed a whole genome transcription (of HT-29 in contact with bacteria) confirming the Fiaf regulation and suggesting an additional lipids metabolism regulation. We characterized a HT-29 PPAR- luciferase reporter model. We applied functional metagenomic approach developed inside the team to screen bacteria genomic libraries. We failed to identify clones of interest among tested libraries. We also performed a screening of LABs on PPAR- luciferase reporter model but after characterization of bacterial effect we failed to confirm it using another approach based on RT-qPCR and speculated that it was a direct effect on luciferase activity. This work contributed to a better knowledge of host metabolism regulation by bacteria

Commensal gut bacteria modulate phosphorylation-dependent PPAR gamma transcriptional activity in human intestinal epithelial cells

In healthy subjects, the intestinal microbiota interacts with the host's epithelium, regulating gene expression to the benefit of both, host and microbiota. The underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, however. Although many gut bacteria are not yet cultured, constantly growing culture collections have been established. We selected 57 representative commensal bacterial strains to study bacteria-host interactions, focusing on PPAR gamma, a key nuclear receptor in colonocytes linking metabolism and inflammation to the microbiota. Conditioned media (CM) were harvested from anaerobic cultures and assessed for their ability to modulate PPAR gamma using a reporter cell line. Activation of PPAR gamma transcriptional activity was linked to the presence of butyrate and propionate, two of the main metabolites of intestinal bacteria. Interestingly, some stimulatory CMs were devoid of these metabolites. A Prevotella and an Atopobium strain were chosen for further study, and shown to upregulate two PPAR gamma-target genes, ANGPTL4 and ADRP. The molecular mechanisms of these activations involved the phosphorylation of PPAR gamma through ERK1/2. The responsible metabolites were shown to be heat sensitive but markedly diverged in size, emphasizing the diversity of bioactive compounds found in the intestine. Here we describe different mechanisms by which single intestinal bacteria can directly impact their host's health through transcriptional regulation

Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus casei BL23 Prevents Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer

The gut microbiota plays a major role in intestinal health, and an imbalance in its composition can lead to chronic gut inflammation and a predisposition to developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Currently, the use of probiotic bacteria represents an emerging alternative to treat and prevent cancer. Moreover, consumption of these beneficial bacteria may also favorably modulate the composition of the gut microbiota, which has been described in several studies to play an important role in CRC carcinogenesis. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the protective effect of oral treatment with Lactobacillus casei BL23, a probiotic strain well known for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. First, CRC was induced in C57BL6 mice by a single intraperitoneal injection with azoxymethane (8 mg/kg), followed by four courses of dextran sodium sulfate (2.5%) in drinking water that were separated by an adjustable recovery period. At the time of sacrifice (day 46), tumor incidence, histological scores, and epithelial proliferation were determined in colon samples. Our results show that L. casei BL23 significantly protected mice against CRC development; specifically, L. casei BL23 treatment reduced histological scores and proliferative index values. In addition, our analysis revealed that L. casei BL23 had an immunomodulatory effect, mediated through the downregulation of the IL-22 cytokine, and an antiproliferative effect, mediated through the upregulation of caspase-7, caspase-9, and Bik. Finally, L. casei BL23 treatment tended to counterbalance CRC-induced dysbiosis in mice, as demonstrated by an analysis of fecal microbiota. Altogether our results demonstrate the high potential of L. casei BL23 for the development of new, probiotic-based strategies to fight CRC

Commensal gut bacteria modulate phosphorylation-dependent PPARγ transcriptional activity in human intestinal epithelial cells

In healthy subjects, the intestinal microbiota interacts with the host’s epithelium, regulating gene expression to the benefit of both, host and microbiota. The underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, however. Although many gut bacteria are not yet cultured, constantly growing culture collections have been established. We selected 57 representative commensal bacterial strains to study bacteria-host interactions, focusing on PPARγ, a key nuclear receptor in colonocytes linking metabolism and inflammation to the microbiota. Conditioned media (CM) were harvested from anaerobic cultures and assessed for their ability to modulate PPARγ using a reporter cell line. Activation of PPARγ transcriptional activity was linked to the presence of butyrate and propionate, two of the main metabolites of intestinal bacteria. Interestingly, some stimulatory CMs were devoid of these metabolites. A Prevotella and an Atopobium strain were chosen for further study, and shown to up-regulate two PPARγ-target genes, ANGPTL4 and ADRP. The molecular mechanisms of these activations involved the phosphorylation of PPARγ through ERK1/2. The responsible metabolites were shown to be heat sensitive but markedly diverged in size, emphasizing the diversity of bioactive compounds found in the intestine. Here we describe different mechanisms by which single intestinal bacteria can directly impact their host’s health through transcriptional regulation.ISSN:2045-232

Identification of a novel bacterial strain with potentially beneficial probiotic properties in irritable bowel syndrome

International audienceIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder causing recurrent abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits. It is the most common disorder of gut-brain interaction diagnosed in gastroenterology and has a worldwide prevalence of 9.2% [1].Its etiology involves complex interactions of factors such as altered immune and barrier functions of the mucosa, central nervous system dysregulation of gut signaling and microbial dysbiosis within the gut. Modulating the gut microbiota, as a means of alleviating symptoms may therefore be an attractive prevention and treatment option. Indeed probiotics, which are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host [2], were shown to be beneficial in terms of improvement of global IBS symptoms [3], however the effects are strain specific.In this context, we developed a methodology combining in vitro and in vivo tests to maximize the probability of identifying novel strains with probiotic effects in IBS. We screened a collection of 41 strains of lactic acid bacteria. Bacterial supernatants were analyzed for the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists, using gas chromatography and HepG2 Lucia reporter cell line, respectively. The strains were also tested in vitro for cytokine production after co-incubation on TNF-α challenged HT-29 cells or non-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Additionally, measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of TNF-α challenged Caco-2 cells co-incubated with the strains were performed to test the improvement of barrier function. We then used principal component analysis (PCA) to identify new strains with profiles similar to those of bacteria with proven probiotic effect [4], [5] [6] and found a promising strain called PI41. This strain was then tested in a rodent model of IBS induced by infection with Citrobacter rodentium[7]. After pathogen clearance (16 days post infection), mice were administered per os daily with PI41 or saline buffer for the control group. The PI41 strain was able to resolve colonic hypersensitivity as measured by colorectal distention (CRD) test. This result correlated with an increase of AhR agonists in mice feces. This strain is therefore promising as a new probiotic to prevent and treat IBS

Commensal Streptococcus salivarius modulates PPARγ transcriptional activity in human intestinal epithelial cells

The impact of commensal bacteria in eukaryotic transcriptional regulation has increasingly been demonstrated over the last decades. A multitude of studies have shown direct effects of commensal bacteria from local transcriptional activity to systemic impact. The commensal bacterium Streptococcus salivarius is one of the early bacteria colonizing the oral and gut mucosal surfaces. It has been shown to down-regulate nuclear transcription factor (NF-кB) in human intestinal cells, a central regulator of the host mucosal immune system response to the microbiota. In order to evaluate its impact on a further important transcription factor shown to link metabolism and inflammation in the intestine, namely PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor), we used human intestinal epithelial cell-lines engineered to monitor PPARγ transcriptional activity in response to a wide range of S. salivarius strains. We demonstrated that different strains from this bacterial group share the property to inhibit PPARγ activation independently of the ligand used. First attempts to identify the nature of the active compounds showed that it is a low-molecular-weight, DNase-, proteases- and heat-resistant metabolite secreted by S. salivarius strains. Among PPARγ-targeted metabolic genes, I-FABP and Angptl4 expression levels were dramatically reduced in intestinal epithelial cells exposed to S. salivarius supernatant. Both gene products modulate lipid accumulation in cells and down-regulating their expression might consequently affect host health. Our study shows that species belonging to the salivarius group of streptococci impact both host inflammatory and metabolic regulation suggesting a possible role in the host homeostasis and health

Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCMI-4317 modulates Fiaf/Angptl4 in intestinal epithelial cells and circulating level in mice

Background and Objectives Identification of new targets for metabolic diseases treatment or prevention is required. In this context, FIAF/ANGPTL4 appears as a crucial regulator of energy homeostasis. Lactobacilli are often considered to display beneficial effect for their hosts, acting on different regulatory pathways. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of several lactobacilli strains on Fiaf gene expression in human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and on mice tissues to decipher the underlying mechanisms. Subjects and Methods Nineteen lactobacilli strains have been tested on HT-29 human intestinal epithelial cells for their ability to regulate Fiaf gene expression by RT-qPCR. In order to determine regulated pathways, we analysed the whole genome transcriptome of IECs. We then validated in vivo bacterial effects using C57BL/6 mono-colonized mice fed with normal chow. Results We identified one strain (Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCMI-4317) that modulated Fiaf expression in IECs. This regulation relied potentially on bacterial surface-exposed molecules and seemed to be PPAR-gamma independent but PPAR-alpha dependent. Transcriptome functional analysis revealed that multiple pathways including cellular function and maintenance, lymphoid tissue structure and development, as well as lipid metabolism were regulated by this strain. The regulation of immune system and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism was also confirmed by overrepresentation of Gene Ontology terms analysis. In vivo, circulating FIAF protein was increased by the strain but this phenomenon was not correlated with modulation Fiaf expression in tissues (except a trend in distal small intestine). Conclusion We showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCMI-4317 induced Fiaf expression in human IECs, and increased circulating FIAF protein level in mice. Moreover, this effect was accompanied by transcriptome modulation of several pathways including immune response and metabolism in vitro

A probiotic supplementation prevents lipid metabolism alterations and limits weight gain possibly via inhibition of intestinal FXR activity in mice fed a high fat diet

International audienc

A probiotic supplementation prevents lipid metabolism alterations and limits weight gain possibly via inhibition of intestinal FXR activity in mice fed a high fat diet

International audienc