Choi, Hyun-Jong
(College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University)
Kim, Ji-Ye
(College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University)
Shin, Myeong-Su
(College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University)
Lee, Sang-Myeong
(Division of Biotechnology, College of Environmental & Bioresource Sciences, Chonbuk National University)
Lee, Wan-Kyu
(College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University)
Pediococcus pentosaceus JWS 939 (JWS 939) is a nonpathogenic bacteriocin-producing probiotic isolated from the duck intestine. This study assessed the immunomodulatory effects of JWS 939 and compared them with those of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), a well-known immune enhancer. The immune-enhancing effects of JWS 939 were measured by measuring the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines in C57BL/6 mouse peritoneal macrophages. In addition, to assess the immune enhancement abilities of JWS 939, in vivo, a Listeria monocytogenes challenge mice model was used. The results showed that heat-killed JWS 939 induced more NO and interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ production in mouse peritoneal macrophages than in LGG, and that oral administration of viable JWS 939 in mice increased more NO, IL-$1{\beta}$, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ level than in LGG in serum upon L. monocytogenes challenge. In addition, mice fed with JWS 939 had a longer survival time after lethal challenge with L. monocytogenes, and these effects were stronger than those induced by LGG. Collectively, P. pentosaceus JWS 939 is a remarkable strain that, by releasing bacteriocin and enhancing host immune responses, may have potential as a duck feed additive to suppress pathogens.