Abstract
Contrary to the general belief that the sole function of probiotics is to keep intestinal microbiota in a balanced state and stimulate the host’s immune response, several studies have shown that certain strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have direct and/or indirect antiviral properties. LAB can stimulate the innate antiviral immune defence system in their host, produce antiviral peptides, and release metabolites that prevent either viral replication or adhesion to cell surfaces. The SARS-CoV (COVID-19) pandemic shifted the world’s interest towards the development of vaccines against viral infections. It is hypothesised that the adherence of SARS-CoV spike proteins to the surface of Bifidobacterium breve could elicit an immune response in its host and trigger the production of antibodies. The question now remains as to whether probiotic LAB could be genetically modified to synthesize viral antigens and serve as vaccines—this concept and the role that LAB play in viral infection are explored in this review.
Highlights
Modified to Serve as Vaccines.Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) altered the world’s approach towards vaccine development
Strains from these species decreased the rate at which RVs adhered to MA104 cells, as proteins derived from these experimental strains were found to bind to receptors Hsc70 and β3-integrin located in the membrane of MA104 cells [76]
The combination of an increased risk of virus contraction due to global warming and increased human geographical movement [48], with the emerging resistance of viruses towards antiviral agents due to their ability to rapidly mutate [66], has resulted in a call from society to pharmaceutical manufacturers and virologists alike to produce new, more effective vaccines and viral prophylactics. This problem has been exacerbated by the current coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe
Summary
Probiotics stimulate the host’s immune system, interact with virus particles, compete with viral receptors for adhesion to receptors on epithelial cells, and regulate gut permeability [6]. Species of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium form an integral part of the natural gut microbiome of humans and animals and their probiotic properties have been extensively studied [19,20]. This review addresses (i) changes in gut wall permeability caused by viral infections and regulation thereof by LAB, (ii) modulation of the immune system, (iii) antiviral properties of LAB, and (iv) the possibilities of using LAB for vaccine production. The possibility of developing a probiotic to prevent or treat SARS-CoV related infections is addressed
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