Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 protects gnotobiotic pigs against human rotavirus by modulating plasmacytoid dendritic and natural killer cell responses Original paper
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Divine Aleru
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Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study investigates the protective effects of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) against human rotavirus (HRV) infection in gnotobiotic pigs, a model for neonatal gastrointestinal infections. The focus was on understanding the immunological mechanisms through which EcN enhances resistance to HRV, particularly by modulating dendritic cell (DC) and natural killer (NK) cell responses. The study also compared the effects of EcN with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and their combination, aiming to explore how these probiotics affect innate immunity and HRV protection in the gut.
Who was studied?
The study involved gnotobiotic (Gn) pigs, a useful animal model for studying neonatal immune responses to infections due to their similar gut physiology to humans, especially in infancy. The pigs were divided into four groups: non-colonized (control), EcN-colonized, LGG-colonized, and a dual EcN+LGG-colonized group. These groups were challenged with human rotavirus (HRV) and assessed for immune responses and the severity of diarrhea. The immune responses, particularly those involving plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and NK cells, were analyzed to understand the probiotic effects.
Most important findings
The study found that EcN-colonized pigs had significantly lower diarrhea scores and reduced HRV shedding compared to LGG-colonized or non-colonized pigs. ECN colonization was associated with an increase in the frequency of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and enhanced NK cell function, both of which are crucial for antiviral immunity. In particular, EcN-treated pigs exhibited a strong activation of the IL-12-NK cell axis, which is vital for fighting viral infections. Additionally, EcN was found to reduce the frequency of apoptotic mononuclear cells (MNCs) in tissues and to promote a balanced cytokine response, increasing IL-12 and IFN-α levels while decreasing the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. Interestingly, LGG colonization had a minimal impact on these immune responses compared to EcN, and combined EcN+LGG colonization showed intermediate effects.
Key implications
This study demonstrates that Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is a potent probiotic that enhances the innate immune response and offers protective benefits against human rotavirus infection. By activating dendritic cells and natural killer cells through the IL-12 pathway, EcN not only limits viral replication but also promotes immune responses that are critical for gut health in neonates. These findings highlight EcN’s potential as a therapeutic option for viral gastroenteritis, particularly in regions with a high rotavirus burden, where current vaccines show limited efficacy. The study also suggests that probiotic combinations need to be carefully evaluated for their interactive effects, as EcN alone was more effective than LGG alone.
E. coli Nissle 1917
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is a rare, non-pathogenic strain of E. coli discovered during World War I from a soldier who did not get dysentery while others did. Unlike harmful E. coli, EcN acts as a probiotic: it settles in the gut, competes with bad bacteria for food and space, produces natural antimicrobials, and even helps strengthen the gut barrier.