Abstract
Summary Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 is one of the best studied Lactobacilli, notably as its genome was unravelled over 12 years ago. L. plantarum WCFS1 can be grown to high densities, is amenable to genetic transformation and highly robust with a relatively high survival rate during the gastrointestinal passage. In this review, we present and discuss the main insights provided by the functional genomics research on L. plantarum WCFS1 with specific attention for the molecular mechanisms related to its interaction with the human host and its potential to modify the immune system, and induce other health‐related benefits. Whereas most insight has been gained in mouse and other model studies, only five human studies have been reported with L. plantarum WCFS1. Hence NCIMB 8826 (the parental strain of L. plantarum WCFS1) in human trials as to capitalize on the wealth of knowledge that is summarized here.
Highlights
There continues to be significant interest in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that contribute to our quality of life by preserving and fortifying foods, producing flavours and texture, and providing health benefits (De Vos, 2011)
Recent years have seen the production of a panoply of publications that address these attributes in LAB with most of the applications relating to Lactobacillus spp. that are used in functional foods
While there are over 100 different Lactobacillus species that all have been characterized at the genomic level (Sun et al, 2015), only few have been studied in detail and developed into paradigms, as is the case with many biotechnological systems
Summary
There continues to be significant interest in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that contribute to our quality of life by preserving and fortifying foods, producing flavours and texture, and providing health benefits (De Vos, 2011). Due to the presence of its genome sequence, its flexible growth properties and high transformation efficiency with newly developed genetic tools (Pavan et al, 2000; Kleerebezem et al, 2003; Cohen et al, 2006; Yang et al, 2015), L. plantarum WCSF1 has been extensively studied, up to the level of genome scale modelling and growth optimization (Teusink et al, 2005, 2006) In retrospect, these were exactly the attributes why this particular strain was selected for genome sequencing a dozen years ago (Kleerebezem et al, 2003). We indicate a variety of avenues that can be followed up for future industrial applications of this strain and summarize suggestions further research that is needed for such applications
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