Probiotics work in EAE

Takata et al. The Lactic Acid Bacterium Pediococcus acidilactici Suppresses Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Inducing IL-10-Producing Regulatory T Cells. PLoS One. 2011;6(11):e27644.

BACKGROUND: Certain intestinal microflora are thought to regulate the systemic immune response. Lactic acid bacteria are one of the most studied bacteria in terms of their beneficial effects on health and autoimmune diseases; one of which is MS. They investigated whether the lactic acid bacterium Pediococcus acidilactici, which comprises human commensal bacteria, has beneficial effects on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS.




METHODS & RESULTS: P. acidilactici R037 was orally administered to EAE mice to investigate the effects of R037. R037 treatment suppressed clinical EAE severity as prophylaxis and therapy.

CONCLUSIONS: An orally administered single strain of P. acidilactici R037 ameliorates EAE by inducing regulatory cells. Their findings indicate the therapeutic potential of the oral administration of R037 for treating MS.

"Interesting study; I wonder if the same effects will be seen in humans. Can you imagine the nutriceutical industry getting involved with this? Danone or Nestle sponsor lactobacillus trial in MS!!"