In vitro antiviral activity of Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium adolescentis against rotavirus infection monitored by NSP4 protein production

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the antiviral activity of four probiotic metabolites (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacetrium species) against rotavirus in vitro infection monitored by the NSP4 protein production and Ca²⁺ release. Methods and Results: The antiviral effect of the metabolites was performed due a comparison between a blocking model and an intracelullar model on MA104 cells, with the response of NSP4 production and Ca²⁺ liberation measured by flow cytometry. Significant results were obtained with the metabolites of Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis in the reduction of the protein production (P = 0·04 and P = 0·014) and Ca²⁺ liberation (P = 0·094 and P = 0·020) in the intracellular model, which suggests a successful antiviral activity against RV infection. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that probiotic metabolites were able to interfere with the final amount of intracellular NSP4 protein and a successful Ca²⁺ regulation, which suggests a new approach to the mechanism exerted by probiotics against the rotavirus infection. Significance and Impact of the Study: A novel anti-rotaviral effect exerted by probiotic metabolites monitored by the NSP4 protein during the RV in vitro infection and the effect on the Ca²⁺ release is reported; suggesting a reduction on the impact of the infection by decreasing the damage of the cells preventing the electrolyte loss.