Heat-killed <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> suppresses SARS-CoV-2 infection in the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is suspected to be a possible source for the systemic spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as well as a reservoir of long coronavirus disease (COVID). Thus, the mucosal epithelial tissue of the colon is a potential target for probiotics to help control SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recently, the effect of live probiotics on COVID-19 has been evaluated. However, live probiotics have certain risks, including the transmission of antibiotic-resistant genes, disturbance of gut colonization in infants, and systemic infections induced by translocation. Therefore, there is growing interest in nonviable microorganisms, particularly heat-killed probiotic bacteria, to mitigate these risks.

Methods

This study evaluate

SUBMITTER: Takada K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12350398 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature