Lactobacillus plantarum CBT LP3 ameliorates colitis via modulating T cells in mice

Lactobacillus plantarum has been identified as a probiotic bacterium owing to its role in immune regulation and maintenance of intestinal permeability. Here, we investigated the anti-colitic effects and mechanism of L. plantarum CBT LP3 (LP3). This in vivo study was performed using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to induce colitis in mice. Mice were randomly divided into three groups: a control supplied with normal drinking water, a DSS-treated group followed by oral administration of vehicle, and a DSS-treated group gavaged with LP3 daily for 7 days following DSS administration. An analysis of macrophages and T cell subsets harvesting from peritonium cavity cells and splenocytes was performed using a flow cytometric assay. Gene expression and cytokine profiles were measured using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The administration of LP3 significantly attenuated disease activity and histolopathology compared to control. LP3 had anti-inflammatory effects, with increased induction of regulatory T cells and type 2 helper T cells in splenocytes and restoration of goblet cells accompanied by suppression of proinflammatory cytokine expressions. These findings suggest that L. plantarum CBT LP3 can be used as a potent immunomodulator, which has significant implications for IBD treatment.