Antiviral effects of Lactobacillus crispatus against HSV‐2 in mammalian cell lines

2018-03
Journal of the Chinese Medical Association 81(3)

PubMed: 29037754
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcma.2017.07.010

Study Design

Methods: In vitro experiment

Rigorous Journal

Abstract

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infectious disease is one of the most common viral sexually transmitted diseases. As regards, vaginal lactobacilli play an important role in protecting host against the urogenital pathogens; here we assessed the potential antiviral activity of Lactobacillus crispatus against HSV-2 infection in vitro.

Methods: Both Vero and HeLa cell lines were treated by L. crispatus before, during and after HSV-2 infection. The pre-incubation assay was also performed for the evaluating of virus adsorption by L. crispatus. Virus titer reduction in each stage was determined by a plaque reduction assay.

Results: L. crispatus significantly decreased the infectivity of the HSV-2 in initial steps on both cell lines; however, no significant inhibition was ascertained during adsorption and multiplication process. The lactobacilli adhere on Vero cells two-fold stronger than HeLa and subsequently protect the Vero cells nearly 2.5 fold higher than HeLa cell against the virion. Co-incubation of HSV-2 with bacterial cells prior to virus inoculation significantly decreased the virus titer.

Conclusion: L. crispatus appears to inhibit the entry of the virus into cells by trapping HSV-2 particles. In addition, formation of L. crispatus microcolonies in the cell surface could block HSV-2 receptors and prevent viral entry to cells in initial infection steps.

Keywords: Antiviral activity; HSV-2; HeLa cell line; Lactobacillus crispatus.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus crispatus LV5	—	Enhanced Cellular Protection Against HSV-2	Beneficial	Moderate	View source The lactobacilli adhere on Vero cells two-fold stronger than HeLa and subsequently protect the Vero cells nearly 2.5 fold higher than HeLa cell against the virion.
Lactobacillus crispatus LV5	—	Reduced HSV-2 Infectivity	Beneficial	Moderate	View source L. crispatus significantly decreased the infectivity of the HSV-2 in initial steps on both cell lines; however, no significant inhibition was ascertained during adsorption and multiplication process.
Lactobacillus crispatus LV5	—	Reduced HSV-2 Virus Titer	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Co-incubation of HSV-2 with bacterial cells prior to virus inoculation significantly decreased the virus titer.
Lactobacillus crispatus LV5	—	Reduced Viral Entry	Beneficial	Moderate	View source L. crispatus appears to inhibit the entry of the virus into cells by trapping HSV-2 particles.
Lactobacillus crispatus VPro 31	—	Protection Against HSV-2 Infection	Beneficial	Moderate	View source The lactobacilli adhere on Vero cells two-fold stronger than HeLa and subsequently protect the Vero cells nearly 2.5 fold higher than HeLa cell against the virion.
Lactobacillus crispatus VPro 31	—	Reduced HSV-2 Infectivity	Beneficial	Moderate	View source L. crispatus significantly decreased the infectivity of the HSV-2 in initial steps on both cell lines; however, no significant inhibition was ascertained during adsorption and multiplication process.
Lactobacillus crispatus VPro 31	—	Reduced Virus Titer	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Co-incubation of HSV-2 with bacterial cells prior to virus inoculation significantly decreased the virus titer.