Authors

L. E. M. Niers, H. M. Timmerman, G. T. Rijkers, G. M. van Bleek, N. O. P. van Uden, E. F. Knol, M. L. Kapsenberg, J. L. L. Kimpen and M. O. Hoekstra

Year

2005

Journal

Clinical & Experimental Allergy

Abstract

Background. Decreased exposure to microbial stimuli has been proposed to be involved in the
increased prevalence of atopic disease. Such a relationship was indicated by enhanced presence of typical probiotic bacteria in the intestinal flora correlating with reduced prevalence of atopic disease. Recent clinical trials suggested that probiotic bacteria may decrease and prevent allergic symptoms, but which (different) species or strains may contribute is poorly understood.

Objective. We sought to select probiotic bacteria by their ability to modulate in vitro production of cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), to make a rational choice from available strains.

Methods. PBMCs, purified monocytes, and lymphocytes from healthy donors were co-cultured with 13 different strains of probiotic bacteria. The effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on different cell populations and effects on cytokine production induced by the polyclonal T cell stimulator
phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) was evaluated by measuring T helper type 1, T helper type 2 (Th2), and regulatory cell cytokines in culture supernatants by multiplex assay.
Results. PBMCs cultured with different strains produced large amounts of IL-10 and low levels of
IL-12p70, IL-5, and IL-13. In PHA-stimulated PBMC cultures, the tested strains decreased the
production of Th2 cytokines. Neutralizing IL-10 production resulted in partial to full restoration of
Th2 cytokine production and concurred with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12p70 and TNF-a. Within the PBMCs, the CD141 cell fraction was the main source of IL-10
production upon interaction with LAB.
Conclusion. Our results indicate that certain strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria modulate the production of cytokines by monocytes and lymphocytes, and may divert the immune system in a regulatory or tolerant mode. These specific strains may be favorable to use in prevention or treatment of atopic disease.