Enterococcus faecium inhibits NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway and antagonizes Salmonella-mediated inflammatory response.

Aim: This study explored the protective effect of Enterococcus faecium as a probiotic against Salmonella typhimurium infection. Materials & methods: The protective role of E. faecium against tissue damage by S. typhimurium infection and the expression of inflammatory cytokines and tight junction proteins were detected by histological observation, real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical methods.

Results

E. faecium demonstrated a regulatory function that affected the expression of Claudin-1 and enhanced tight junctions, suppressed the NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway and reduced the release of IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, TLR4 and MYD88 and inflammatory damage to tissues by S. typhimurium in the duodenum, cecum and colon of mice.

Conclusion

E. faecium antagonized S. Typhimurium alleviating inflammatory injury in mice through the NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway.