Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis modulates early-life immune response and gut metabolism.

2025-05-28
Animal models and experimental medicine 8(6)

PubMed: 40437776
DOI: 10.1002/ame2.70034

Study Design

Population: GF mice
Methods: B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 was administered via gavage during early life; in the juvenile stage, changes in T-cell subsets in the spleen, thymus, and gut intraepithelial lymphocytes were assessed using spectral flow cytometry, and targeted metabolomics analysis of tryptophan metabolism and short-chain fatty acid pathways in colonic tissue was conducted

Animal Study

Background

The maturation of the immune system is critical during early life, as it involves the differentiation, maturation, and establishment of immune tolerance of immune cells. This process is influenced not only by genetic factors but also by environmental factors, particularly the symbiotic microbiota. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12), originally found in dairy products, is widely used in infant formula and dietary supplements. However, its role and mechanisms in immune development during early life remain unclear.

Methods

Using GF mice as the experimental model, B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 was administered via gavage during early life. In the juvenile stage, changes in T-cell subsets in the spleen, thymus, and gut intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) were assessed using spectral flow cytometry. Additionally, targeted metabolomics analysis of tryptophan metabolism and short-chain fatty acid pathways in colonic tissue was conducted to explore how B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 influences the immune system through gut microbiota metabolism.

Results

BB-12 effectively modulates the gut immune microenvironment, leading to beneficial changes in T-cell subsets in key immune tissues such as the spleen, thymus, and gut IELs. Metabolomics analysis further supports these findings by showing that BB-12 intervention greatly increased the production of tryptophan derivatives and acetic acid in the colon of GF mice.

Conclusion

The findings provide theoretical evidence for the role of B. animalis subsp. lactis in immune system development and support its application in dietary supplements, suggesting potential as a component for infant immune health and in preventing immune-related diseases.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis	—	Improved Immune Organ Development	Beneficial	Moderate	View source BB-12 effectively modulates the gut immune microenvironment, leading to beneficial changes in T-cell subsets in key immune tissues such as the spleen, thymus, and gut IELs.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis	—	Increased Levels of Beneficial Metabolites	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Metabolomics analysis further supports these findings by showing that BB-12 intervention greatly increased the production of tryptophan derivatives and acetic acid in the colon of GF mice.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12	—	Improved Immune Organ Development	Beneficial	Moderate	View source BB-12 effectively modulates the gut immune microenvironment, leading to beneficial changes in T-cell subsets in key immune tissues such as the spleen, thymus, and gut IELs.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12	—	Increased Levels of Beneficial Metabolites	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Metabolomics analysis further supports these findings by showing that BB-12 intervention greatly increased the production of tryptophan derivatives and acetic acid in the colon of GF mice.