Abstract
Regulation 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.