Regulation of Th17 cells by P. UF1 against systemic Listeria monocytogenes infection

ABSTRACTRegulation of Th17 and Th1 cell responses against intracellular pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes (L. m), is critical to limit inflammation-induced tissue damage. We recently demonstrated the ability of P. UF1 bacterium derived from the intestinal bacterial commensals of preterm infants fed human breast milk to significantly mitigate pathogen-induced inflammation limiting colonic tissue damage. Here we further elucidated the potential of P. UF1 to also regulate innate and T cells, particularly Th17 and Th1 cells, against systemic L. m infection. Data demonstrate that P. UF1 not only robustly regulated protective Th17 and Th1 cells, but also sustained regulatory T cells (Treg cells) resulting in accelerated L. m clearance. Together, regulation of pathogenic inflammation by a novel probiotic bacterium such as P. UF1 may illuminate a new strategy to specifically control Th17-Th1 cells via IL-10+ Treg cells to limit systemic tissue damage induced by intracellular pathogens, including L. m.