AbstractCronobacter sakazakii (CS), an important pathogen, is associated with the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), infant sepsis, and meningitis. Several randomized prospective clinical trials demonstrated that oral probiotics could decrease the incidence of NEC. Previously, we isolated and characterized a novel probiotic, B. fragilis strain ZY-312. However, it remains unclear how ZY-312 protects the host from the effects of CS infection. To understand the underlying mechanisms triggering the probiotic effects, we tested the hypothesis that there was a cross-talk between probiotics/probiotics-modulated microbiota and the local immune system, governed by the permeability of the intestinal mucosa using in vitro and in vivo models for the intestinal permeability. The probiotic effects of ZY-312 on intestinal epithelial cells were first examined, which revealed that ZY-312 inhibited CS invasion, CS-induced dual cell death (pyroptosis and apoptosis), and epithelial barrier dysfunction in vitro and in vivo. ZY-312 also decreased the expression of an inflammasome (NOD-like receptor family member pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-3, and serine protease caspase-1 in a neonatal rat model. Furthermore, ZY-312 significantly modulated the compositions of the intestinal bacterial communities, and decreased the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Gamma proteobacteria, but increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Bacillus in neonatal rats. In conclusion, our findings have shown for the first time that the probiotic, B. fragilis ZY-312, suppresses CS-induced NEC by modulating the pro-inflammatory response and dual cell death (apoptosis and pyroptosis).Author summaryCronobacter sakazakii, a major necrotizing enterocolitis pathogen, is used as a model microorganism for the study of opportunistic bacteria in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis. Here, we have now unequivocally demonstrated that both apoptotic and pyroptotic stimuli contribute to the pathogenesis of Cronobacter sakazakii -induced necrotizing enterocolitis. Previously, we isolated and characterized a novel probiotic, B. fragilis strain ZY-312. We found that the ZY-312 defense against Cronobacter sakazakii-induced necrotizing enterocolitis by inhibiting Cronobacter sakazakii invasion, epithelial barrier dysfunction, the expression of inflammatory cytokines and dual cell death (pyroptosis and apoptosis). This study demonstrates the utility of ZY-312 as a promising probiotic agent for the prevention and treatment of various intestinal diseases, including NEC.
Breast milk nutrients driving intestinal epithelial layer maturation via Wnt and Notch signalling: implications for necrotizing enterocolitis
